Winston-Salem requires a Zoning Use Permit for any home occupation operated from a residence. The UDO limits the business to the principal resident, caps the use at a small percentage of the dwelling floor area, and prohibits outside employees, retail foot traffic, and exterior evidence of the business.
Winston-Salem UDO Chapter B Article II Section 2.5 defines home occupations as customary accessory uses conducted entirely within the dwelling by residents only. The business may not occupy more than 25 percent of the floor area. No non-resident employees may report to the home. No outdoor storage, no exterior display, and no signage larger than 2 square feet is allowed. Client visits are limited and may not generate more traffic than normal residential use. Prohibited home occupations include auto repair, kennels, restaurants, medical clinics, and adult businesses. Applicants file a zoning use permit application with the City-County Planning Department and pay a small fee. A separate privilege license may be required for specific professions under state law.
Violations are enforced by the Inspections Division. Initial notice of violation grants time to cure; continuing violations result in civil penalties and potential revocation of the zoning permit.
See how Winston-Salem's home occupation permits rules stack up against other locations.
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