Burlington, WI Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

B. C sets a list of general conditions that automatically govern any home business run from a dwelling, and a use that cannot meet them is simply not allowed. The floor area cap is strict: no more than 20% of the gross area of the dwelling unit may be devoted to the business. The use cannot generate offensive noise, vibration, dust, odors, smoke, heat, glare or electronic interference, and materials that decompose by detonation are barred outright. The business cannot change the dwelling's outside appearance or be visible from the street, and no goods or materials may be stored or displayed outside or visible from outside the premises.

Staffing is limited to household residents: no nonresident employees may work in the home occupation, and retail sales are barred except for goods actually produced on the premises. Only one home occupation is allowed per dwelling unit, and it must be carried on wholly within the principal building; storage in an attached or detached garage or accessory building is not permitted. The use cannot require plumbing, electrical or structural changes beyond what the residential use itself would need, and it must meet fire and building code safety requirements. Zoning Administrator staff can conduct periodic, unannounced inspections in response to complaints or simply to confirm continued compliance.