Edison, NJ Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

Edison Township's Chapter 37 (Zoning) follows the standard New Jersey 'permitted use' model: each zoning district lists the uses permitted by right, the uses permitted as conditional uses, and the uses permitted as accessory uses; any use not listed is prohibited. The Edison Zoning Officer applies that framework to home occupations on a case-by-case basis - some traditional professional and clerical home occupations (an attorney's consultation office, an accountant's bookkeeping practice, a tutor's by-appointment lessons) are typically recognized as permitted accessory uses in residential zones provided they remain incidental to the residential use of the dwelling, generate no exterior evidence of the business, and meet the design and performance standards in Chapter 37. Other uses - a salon with appointments throughout the day, a contractor's business with stored equipment, a daycare beyond the state-licensed family-daycare exemption, or a retail operation - are not permitted accessory uses and require a use variance under N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70(d). The home occupation cannot occupy a substantial portion of the dwelling, cannot employ non-resident workers on the premises, and cannot generate noise, vibration, glare, odor, dust, or traffic that increases ambient levels at the property line above the Chapter 37 performance standards. Outdoor storage of business materials, vehicles with commercial lettering or registration over the Chapter 7 weight limits, and commercial deliveries that disturb the neighborhood are independent grounds for enforcement. Applicants are strongly advised to consult the Zoning Officer (732-248-7241) before commencing the home business, because operating without confirmed zoning compliance exposes the owner to violation notices and continuing daily fines.