Flint, MI Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Floor area limit
- 25% of dwelling, basement excluded
- Walk-in trade
- Not allowed
- Who may work
- Residents of the home only
- Accessory buildings
- Home occupation not permitted there
- Governing section
- § 50-21(d), A-2 district
Summary
The City of Flint permits home occupations in single-family zoning districts, but only residents may work in the business, no more than 25% of the dwelling's floor area may be used, and no walk-in customer trade is allowed.
(1) Only the residents of the premises shall be engaged in the occupation. (2) The use of the dwelling unit for the home occupation shall be clearly incidental and subordinate to its use for residential purposes by its occupants, and not more than 25% of the total floor area of the dwelling unit shall be used in the conduct of the home occupation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2016 Code: Local legislation current through Ordinance 3821, passed 3-1-2012).
Full Breakdown
Flint's zoning code lists home occupations as a permitted use in the A-2 single-family medium density district, but only under twelve conditions set out in § 50-21(d). Only residents of the home may work in the business; the operation can use no more than 25% of the dwelling's total floor area, not counting the basement or cellar; there can be no 'walk-in' trade; there can be no change to the building's outside appearance or structural alterations; and the business entrance must be from within the dwelling, with no home occupation permitted in an accessory building.
Violations & Fines
The Building Inspector enforces the zoning code and can void any permit issued in conflict with it; the City may bring an action to restrain, correct or abate a home occupation that breaches these conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have customers visit my Flint home business?
How much of my house can I use for a home occupation in Flint?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Flint
How Flint compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Compare Flint to another location·View the Michigan home business overview
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