Aurora, CO Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing provision
- UDO § 146-3.3.6.J
- Who may work on-site
- Residents of the dwelling only
- Signage/exterior evidence
- None permitted
- Clients on-site at once
- Limited to one
- Excluded uses
- Day care, health clinic, kennel, hemp processing
Summary
Aurora, Colorado allows home occupations in dwellings only if the business stays incidental, invisible from outside, and limited to residents.
J. Home Occupation. 1. The activity is incidental and secondary to the primary purpose served by the dwelling. 2. A home occupation shall not create noise, dust, vibration, smell smoke, glare, electrical interference, fire hazard, or any other nuisance or hazard that disturbs the peace and quiet of a residential area. 3. The residents of the dwelling unit shall be the only people engaged in the activity. ... 5. There shall be no external evidence that indicates or advertises the performance of the activity.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-30, passed June 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Aurora's Unified Development Ordinance regulates home-based businesses as a use-specific standard, not a separate permit process. Under UDO § 146-3.3.6.J, a home occupation must be incidental and secondary to the dwelling's residential use, cause no noise, dust, smell, smoke, glare, or traffic beyond what's normal for the neighborhood, and show no external evidence: no signage or visible indication the home is being used commercially. Only residents of the unit may work in the business, materials must be stored indoors, and personal services are capped at one client on-site at a time. The UDO's definition (§ 146-6) excludes animal hospitals, day cares, health clinics, hospitals, kennels, tearooms, and hemp processing from qualifying as home occupations.
Violations & Fines
A home occupation that violates these standards is an illegal use subject to Aurora's zoning enforcement process, including notice, correction orders, and potential fines for continued noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a home business in Aurora, Colorado without a separate zoning permit?
Can customers visit my home business in Aurora?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Aurora
How Aurora compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Compare Aurora to another location·View the Colorado home business overview
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Zoning & Home Occupation Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Arapahoe County handle zoning & home occupation permits.