Apple Valley, MN Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

The definition in § 155.003 of the Apple Valley Code of Ordinances carries the whole test. A home occupation is a gainful occupation engaged in only by persons residing in their dwelling. It has to be conducted within the principal structure, and entrance to it has to be gained from within the structure. Evidence of the occupation cannot be visible from the street, no signs are present other than those permitted in the district in which it is located, and over-the-counter retail sales are not involved. The same paragraph closes the garage door on the idea of a workshop: no accessory buildings or attached garage shall be used for home occupations.

Section 155.051(B) then lists "Home occupation, as defined in § 155.003" among the permitted uses in the R-1, R-2 and R-3 districts. A business that meets the definition needs no conditional use permit to operate there; a business that fails any element of the definition is simply not a home occupation.

Professionals get a specific allowance. A professional person can use his or her residence for consultation, emergency treatment or performance of religious rites, but not for the general practice of the profession when that practice will involve the need for more than three parking spaces for the occupant and visitors.

The definition names its examples: professional offices, minor repair services, photo or art studio, dressmaking, nurseries, and child day-care centers or teaching limited to six students at any one time. It also names what does not count. Tourist homes, rental of a dwelling or any portion of it for a period of less than 30 consecutive days, and restaurants are outside the definition, although the code says these can be allowed as otherwise permitted under Chapter 155.

In the accessory unit dwelling regulations, the code adds that home occupations are permitted in either the accessory unit dwelling or the primary residence, but not both. Signs for the business are governed separately by Chapter 154.