Durham allows home occupations in residential zones under UDO Sec. 5.4.4. A $52 Home Occupation Permit is required. Max 30% of floor area, one nonresident employee in most districts.
Durham UDO Section 5.4.4 permits home occupations in all residential zoning districts provided they remain secondary to residential use. No exterior alterations that change the residential character are allowed. The occupation may use no more than 30 percent of the livable floor area. Only one nonresident employee is permitted in most districts. In the RR district on parcels of 10 or more contiguous acres, up to three nonresident employees are allowed. Traffic and parking generated must not be detrimental to the surrounding neighborhood. No hazardous materials may be manufactured or stored. One commercially licensed vehicle is allowed on the premises. Heavy equipment vehicles are limited to two and only in RS-20 and RR districts. The business must be registered with the NC Secretary of State before applying for a Home Occupation Permit through Durham Planning and Development.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Durham, NC
Durham caps daytime sound at 60 dBA (8 AM to 11 PM) and nighttime sound at 50 dBA (11 PM to 8 AM) under Ch. 26, Sec. 26-23. Measured at property line using A...
Durham, NC
Durham UDO Section 9.9 limits residential fences to 4 feet in front yards and 8 feet in side and rear yards. Corner lots face additional restrictions along s...
Durham, NC
Durham does not require a permit for most residential fences or walls. Permits are required for retaining walls, pool barriers on single-family parcels, prop...
Durham, NC
Durham UDO Section 9.9 sets general fence standards including setbacks, orientation, and vision-clearance rules. Fences between structures and streets within...
Durham, NC
Durham requires a building permit for all retaining walls. Retaining walls over 4 feet at street frontage must be terraced in Design Districts. Walls over 8 ...
Durham, NC
Durham UDO 9.9 prohibits razor wire, concertina wire, and barbed wire in residential districts. Uncoated chain link is banned in CI and Design Districts.
See how Durham's zoning restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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