Canton, OH Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Under Section 1198.11, anyone operating a home occupation in Canton must submit written evidence to the Board of Zoning Appeals, prior to a public hearing, showing compliance with a full set of standards. No one outside the family residing on the premises may work in the home occupation, except that one employee is allowed for occupations such as a physician, surgeon, dentist, attorney or chiropractor. The business use must stay clearly incidental and subordinate to the residential use of the dwelling, and it cannot occupy more than 25 percent of the gross floor area of one floor.

The exterior of the building or premises cannot change in appearance, and the only permitted evidence of the business from outside is one sign, not exceeding four square feet, non-illuminated and mounted flat against the wall of the principal building. The home occupation cannot be conducted in any accessory building, and no equipment or process may create noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odor or electrical interference detectable off the lot. Retail or wholesale sales are barred except sales clearly subordinate to the service being rendered. Because this is a conditional use permit rather than a permitted-by-right use, it is granted under the procedures of Chapter 1198 generally, and Section 1198.09 provides that the permit automatically expires if the home occupation ceases for more than six months, requiring a fresh application to resume.