Allentown permits home occupations as an accessory use in residential zoning districts when clearly incidental to the dwelling. The home occupation must be operated by a resident, use no more than 25% of the dwelling area, have no nonresident employees onsite, and not generate excessive customer traffic, noise, or signage. A zoning permit and Business Privilege License are required.
Allentown's Zoning Ordinance (Article 13, Home Occupations) defines a home occupation as a gainful activity conducted in a dwelling that is clearly incidental to its primary residential use. The activity must be conducted entirely within the dwelling or an attached garage; no outdoor storage, processing, or display of goods is permitted. The home occupation may not occupy more than 25% of the gross floor area of the dwelling unit. Only resident family members may work onsite — non-resident employees, partners, or assistants must work from another location. Customer or client visits are limited (typically 4–6 per day depending on district) and must not generate traffic, noise, dust, smoke, glare, or odors detectable beyond the property line. One non-illuminated identification sign no larger than 2 square feet is allowed. Vehicles used for the occupation may not exceed 1-ton capacity. A Zoning Permit from the Bureau of Planning & Zoning and a Business Privilege License from the Finance Department are required before commencing operations. Certain uses (medical, salons with multiple chairs, auto repair, kennels) are prohibited as home occupations.
Operating an unpermitted home occupation or violating its conditions triggers a zoning enforcement notice with 30 days to cure. Continued violations carry fines of $100–$1,000 per day under Chapter 1320. Persistent violators may lose the right to operate the home occupation and face cease-and-desist orders enforceable in district court.
Allentown, PA
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Allentown, PA
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