Yakima, WA Home Business: Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Yakima's three-class home-occupation framework is set in YMC 15.04 Table 4-2 (Permitted Home Occupations) and Yakima YUAZO administrative-review chapters. Class 1 (Permitted) uses are over-the-counter — no land-use application is required beyond confirming the use is listed as Class 1 in the applicant's zone and that all thirteen YMC 15.04.120 conditions are met. Class 2 (Administrative Review) uses require submittal of a Type 2 application to the Planning Division (Administrative Official) under YMC Chapter 15.13 — current fee schedule per YMC Title 15 and Yakima Land Use Fee Schedule ($200-$435 range depending on application type). The Type 2 review includes site plan submittal, narrative compliance check with the thirteen conditions of YMC 15.04.120, neighbor notification (mail to property owners within 300 feet), 20-day comment period, written decision by the Administrative Official, and a 14-day appeal window to the Hearing Examiner. Class 3 (Hearing Examiner) uses require a Type 3 application under YMC Chapter 15.14 with a public hearing before the City of Yakima Hearing Examiner, broader notice (mailing 500+ feet, posted sign on property, newspaper publication), full SEPA review under WAC 197-11 and YMC Ch. 6.88, written findings of fact, and decision appealable to Yakima County Superior Court under LUPA (RCW 36.70C). The Planning Division contact is (509) 575-6183 / ask.planning@yakimawa.gov. State-mandated layered approvals include a Washington UBI registered through the WA Department of Revenue Business Licensing Service (free if no other state endorsement, $5 minimum) and a Yakima Business License under YMC Chapter 5.02 — Yakima ties its business license to the BLS one-stop application (dor.wa.gov/manage-business/city-endorsements/yakima). State professional licenses (cosmetology, contractor under RCW 18.27, real estate, child care under DCYF) and Yakima County food worker cards remain in force. Federal IRS Schedule C, Schedule SE, and EIN compliance are separate. There is no Yakima 'one-stop' digital portal; applications are submitted in person at City Hall, Planning Division, 129 N. 2nd St., Yakima, WA 98901, or by email.