Clark County, WA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code section
- CCC 40.260.100
- Who may operate
- Resident owner or renter
- Max floor area
- 25% or 1,000 sq ft
- Permit tiers
- Exempt / Minor / Major
- Prohibited
- On-site retail, adult, auto recycling
Summary
Clark County Code 40.260.100 allows home businesses in residential zones if they stay secondary to living use and preserve neighborhood character. The business must be run by a resident owner or renter, and may use no more than 25% of the dwelling or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less.
The maximum use of a dwelling devoted to a home business shall not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the gross floor area of the dwelling or exceed one thousand (1,000) square feet, whichever is less. Gross floor area includes a basement and attached garage, but does not include an unfinished attic or a detached garage.
Full Breakdown
Under Clark County Code 40.260.100, a home business must be owned and operated by a resident owner or renter who occupies the property as their principal residence. The floor area devoted to the business cannot exceed 25% of the dwelling's gross floor area or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less (gross floor area includes a basement and attached garage but not an unfinished attic or detached garage). Businesses are classified as Exempt, Minor (Type I permit), or Major (Type II permit) based on employees, customers, vehicles, and accessory-structure use. Prohibited uses include on-site retail (other than incidental), adult entertainment, and auto recycling. Cities like Vancouver zone separately.
Violations & Fines
A home business permit is revoked under Chapter 32.12 if the operator moves residence or fails to comply with the standards; ongoing violations are nuisance/code enforcement matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a business from my home in unincorporated Clark County?
What businesses are banned as home occupations?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clark County
How Clark County compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Compare Clark County to another location·View the Washington home business overview
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