Arlington, TX Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

The Arlington Unified Development Code allows home occupations as an accessory use in residential zoning districts subject to several performance standards. The occupation must be clearly incidental and subordinate to the residential use. It must be conducted entirely within the principal dwelling or an enclosed accessory structure, and may not occupy more than 25 percent of the gross floor area of the dwelling. No outdoor storage of materials, equipment, or inventory is allowed, and no visible evidence of the business may be seen from the street. Only residents of the dwelling may work on site; non-resident employees are prohibited. The use must not generate noise, odor, vibration, dust, smoke, glare, or electrical interference that is noticeable at the property line. Deliveries by large commercial vehicles (box trucks or semis) are prohibited; standard mail, UPS, FedEx, and Amazon deliveries are acceptable. Certain uses are expressly prohibited as home occupations, including auto repair, body work, welding, kennels, restaurants, medical or dental offices, and any use requiring state licensing as a commercial facility. Homeowners must register their home occupation with the city, and HOAs may impose additional restrictions through deed covenants.