Aurora permits home occupations as an accessory use in all residential zones, subject to standards that keep the business secondary to the dwelling and preserve neighborhood character.
Under the Aurora Unified Development Ordinance Section 146-4.7.4, home occupations are allowed as an accessory use in all residential zoning districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and mixed-use districts with residential components). The home occupation must be secondary and incidental to the residential use, be conducted entirely within the dwelling or an attached garage, and not occupy more than 25 percent of the gross floor area of the dwelling. Employees must be limited to residents of the home plus no more than one non-resident on site at a time. External evidence of the business, including outside storage, signage beyond allowed limits, traffic, dust, glare, vibration, or noise, is prohibited. Prohibited home occupations include auto repair, welding, motor vehicle sales, kennels, adult businesses, and manufacturing. A home occupation license and sales tax license (if applicable) are required before operating.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Aurora code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Aurora, CO
Aurora imposes no general restriction on year-round lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private residential property. The Sign Code in UDO 146...
Aurora, CO
Aurora has no ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, motor noise, and lighting hours are not capped by the city for...
Aurora, CO
Aurora has no ordinance limiting the duration, brightness, or hours of residential holiday lighting on private property. The Aurora UDO Section 146-4.9 (Exte...
Aurora, CO
An outdoor kitchen in Aurora typically requires a building permit when it exceeds 120 sq ft, includes a roof or pergola, or is attached to the house. Gas lin...
Aurora, CO
Aurora has no code section specifically targeting residential smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens beyond the general IFC 308 open-flame rules adopted...
Aurora, CO
Aurora adopts the 2021 International Fire Code under Aurora City Code Chapter 66 (Fire Prevention and Protection). IFC 308.1.4 prohibits charcoal burners, pr...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Arapahoe County.
See how other cities in Arapahoe County handle zoning restrictions.
See how Aurora's zoning restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.