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Spartanburg County, SC Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Non-resident employees
One maximum
Residential character
No alteration allowed
Approval
By right if compliant
Verify with
County Planning, 864-596-3570
Code section
ULMO 3.06(4), (6)

Summary

Spartanburg County's ULMO allows a home occupation by right if it meets the §3.06 standards - including no more than one employee who does not live in the residence and no alteration of the home's residential character. Verify zoning compliance with the Planning Department before operating.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Spartanburg County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

No more than one (1) person not residing in the residence shall be employed... There is no alteration of the residential character of the building and/or premises.

View official code

Full Breakdown

ULMO §3.06 sets the conditions a home occupation must meet in the zoned unincorporated county. Section 3.06(4) limits employees to no more than one person not residing in the residence, and §3.06(6) requires that there be no alteration of the residential character of the building or premises. Together with the 50 percent floor-area cap and the no-off-lot-impacts rule, these standards let a qualifying home occupation operate without a special zoning approval, though residents should confirm compliance (and any business/building permits) with the Spartanburg County Planning and Development Department (864-596-3570). A South Carolina retail license from the SC Department of Revenue may also be required for sales. City residents follow their municipality's home-occupation rules.

Violations & Fines

Employing more than one non-resident worker, or otherwise altering the residential character, violates ULMO §3.06 and can draw a zoning-enforcement notice, fines, and an order to stop the use until it complies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many employees can a home business have?
No more than one person who does not live in the residence, under ULMO §3.06(4). Resident family members working there do not count toward that limit.
Do I need a special permit?
A compliant home occupation is allowed by right, but confirm zoning compliance and any building or state retail-license requirements with County Planning before operating.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Spartanburg County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsSignage RulesSome RestrictionsHome DaycareSome RestrictionsCottage Food OperationsFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsHeavy Restrictions

All Spartanburg County rules

How Spartanburg County compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Compare Spartanburg County to another location·View the South Carolina home business overview

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