Brunswick County, NC Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- UDO § 5.4.4, unincorporated county only
- Floor area cap
- 50% of dwelling's gross floor area
- Non-resident workers
- Two maximum
- Resale goods
- Prohibited at retail/wholesale on premises
- Last amended
- Ord. No. UDO-16-02, § 24, 3-7-16
Summary
Brunswick County's Unified Development Ordinance allows home occupations as an accessory use in unincorporated areas, but caps the business at 50% of the dwelling's gross floor area, bars resale of purchased goods, and limits the operation to two non-resident workers.
This activity shall be an accessory use which is clearly incidental and secondary to a residential use of the dwelling unit and shall be subject to the following restrictions: A.No display of goods, products or services shall be visible off site... D.The home occupation shall occupy an area not to exceed 50% of the gross floor area of the dwelling unit. All activities shall be conducted entirely within the dwelling unit and are not permitted in a detached garage or other accessory structure.E.Not more than two persons that are not a resident of the home is permitted to conduct business in the home occupation.
Full Breakdown
4 of the UDO governs home occupations countywide, outside the incorporated towns. The use must remain clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use of the dwelling. A). B). D). H). I). The ordinance was last amended by Ord. No. UDO-16-02, Section 24, adopted March 7, 2016. Because this is a county ordinance, it applies only to unincorporated Brunswick County; Leland, Southport, Oak Island, Shallotte, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Calabash and Boiling Spring Lakes each administer separate municipal home-occupation rules.
Violations & Fines
The Brunswick County Planning Department enforces home occupation standards as part of zoning compliance. A business that exceeds the 50% floor-area cap, employs more than two non-residents, sells resale goods at retail from the home, or creates external evidence of commercial activity is a zoning violation subject to correction, permit denial, or abatement action by the Planning Director.
Frequently Asked Questions
What zoning districts allow home occupations in Brunswick County?
Can I sell products I buy wholesale from my home in unincorporated Brunswick County?
How much of my house can my home business use?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brunswick County
How Brunswick County compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Compare Brunswick County to another location·View the North Carolina home business overview
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