Howell, NJ Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Howell Township Code § 188-64, added 6-24-2002 by Ord. No. O-02-26 and amended 9-17-2024 by Ord. No. 24-35, governs home occupations in Howell Township, Monmouth County. The Township Council states the purpose: permit home office usage for home occupations and blue-collar trades that are incidental to the residential use, limited in extent, degree and time, and compatible with the neighborhood. It also encourages incubator or start-up activity within a home office for later removal to an appropriate nonresidential zone as the business grows.

A home office is an office activity carried on for gain by a resident in a dwelling unit, clearly accessory and secondary to living use. It is permitted in residential zone districts provided that the use is operated by, or employs in the residence, only residents who are permanent full-time residents of the dwelling unit and no other person.

Space limits come next. The accessory office use occupies a maximum of 10% of the gross floor area of the residence, but never more than 750 square feet. It cannot be served by an entrance separate from the household, and the room cannot have separate kitchen or bath facilities.

Exterior limits are strict. There is no exterior storage of materials. The exterior of buildings and structures cannot change because of the use, and there is no outside appearance of a business use, including parking, storage or lights. The use cannot run equipment or a process that creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors or electrical or electronic interference detectable by a neighboring residence. It also cannot require increased or enhanced electrical or water supply, and its solid waste must match other residential uses in the zone district.

Subsection C then prohibits a list of uses outright, including retail merchandising, medical or dental clinics, funeral homes, equipment rental and massage parlors.