Buncombe County, NC Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- Buncombe County Zoning Ch. 78, Sec. 78-581
- Location
- Entirely within dwelling or accessory structure
- Floor space limit
- 25% of the dwelling
- Non-resident employees
- No more than two
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
A home occupation is allowed in Buncombe County residential zoning as a use conducted entirely within the dwelling or an accessory structure and clearly incidental to residential use. It cannot occupy more than 25 percent of the dwelling's floor space, and no more than two non-resident employees may work there.
The use of the dwelling unit for the home occupation shall be clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling for residential purposes, and such occupation shall not occupy more than 25 percent of the total floor space of the dwelling or the entire accessory structure.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Under the Buncombe County Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 78), a home occupation is defined in Sec. 78-581, and Sec. 78-665 makes those definitional standards the operative rule. The use must be conducted entirely within a dwelling or accessory structure by the occupants, be clearly incidental and secondary to residential use, and occupy no more than 25 percent of the dwelling's floor space or the entire accessory structure. There may be no display, no outside storage, and no change in outside appearance other than one unlighted sign. This county rule applies only to unincorporated land; Asheville, Black Mountain, and other towns set their own home-occupation zoning.
Violations & Fines
Running a home business beyond the home-occupation limits is a zoning violation enforced by Buncombe County Planning through notices of violation, civil penalties, and abatement under the Chapter 78 zoning ordinance and NC Gen. Stat. Chapter 160D.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a business from my home in Buncombe County?
Does this apply in Asheville?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buncombe County
How Buncombe County compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Compare Buncombe County to another location·View the North Carolina home business overview
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