Cary, NC Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Cary LDO § 5.3.4(C)
- Type I cap
- 20% of floor area or 500 sq ft
- Type II cap
- 10% of floor area or 500 sq ft
- Non-resident employees
- Max one non-resident employee
- Permit needed
- Only Type II requires accessory use permit
Summary
The Town of Cary's Land Development Ordinance permits home occupations as an accessory use in residential zoning districts, but only if the operator lives on site and the business stays subordinate to the dwelling.
A home occupation shall be permitted as accessory to a principal dwelling unit in accordance with the following: ... (a) Employees and Residency (i) The principal person or persons providing the business or service resides in the dwelling on the premises. (ii) The home occupation employs no more than one (1) person who does not reside on the premises.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2023 S-87_S-57: Current through local ordinance 2022-Code-05, passed 11-17-2022 and effective 11-17-2022 | LDO: Current through local ordinance 2022-LDO-04, passed 11-17-22 and effective 11-17-22).
Full Breakdown
Cary's LDO allows a home occupation as an accessory use to a principal dwelling in residential districts across Wake County, including R-40 through R-8, TR and Town Center subdistricts. The principal operator must live on the premises, and no more than one employee who lives elsewhere may work there. The business cannot change the home's exterior appearance, use outdoor storage or display, or conduct wholesale/retail sales on-site. Type I occupations (off-site service, no client visits) may use up to 20% of heated floor area or 500 sq ft, whichever is less; Type II occupations, which allow limited on-site service, are capped at 10% or 500 sq ft and require an accessory use permit.
Violations & Fines
Cary's Planning Department reviews and can deny or revoke accessory use permits for Type II home occupations; operating without required approval is a zoning violation under the LDO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a business from my home in Cary, NC?
Do I need a permit for a Cary home business?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cary
How Cary compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Compare Cary to another location·View the North Carolina home business overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Zoning & Home Occupation Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wake County handle zoning & home occupation permits.