Independence, MO Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- City occupation license
- Floor area cap
- 25% of dwelling, or 1 accessory bldg
- Penalty
- $100 fine, up to 90 days jail
- Governing code
- UDO § 14-400-03-C, -D
Summary
Operating a home-based business beyond the no-impact tier in Independence requires a City occupation license, and limits the business to 25 percent of the dwelling's floor area.
2.All persons operating a home-based business are required to obtain a City occupation license in accordance with Article 1 of Chapter 5 of this Code.3.All home-based businesses must be operated in a way that does not constitute a public nuisance under this Code.4.No exterior additions to the building structure are permitted in connection with any home-based business without a permit. An existing accessory building may be used for a home-based business, as provided for in this section, but a new accessory building may not be built for a home-based business without a permit. The Planning Commission may approve an exterior addition to the building structure, or a new accessory building, in connection with any home-based business.5.Vehicles used to deliver goods to a major home business are limited to passenger vehicles, mail carrier, and express carrier, such as the United Parcel Service, and FedEx.6.Owners/operators of a home-based business shall provide adequate off-street parking to accommodate as many customers/clients as will be expected to be on the property at one time. No more than one on-street parking space shall be used for customer/client parking.7.Either up to 25 percent of the total floor area of the dwelling unit may be used in conjunction with a home-based business, or one accessory structure, such as a freestanding garage, may be used for a home-based business.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 13).
Full Breakdown
Home-based businesses that exceed the no-impact thresholds must obtain a City occupation license under Article 1 of Chapter 5 of the City Code and must not create a public nuisance. No exterior building additions are allowed without a permit, though an existing accessory building may be used. The business may occupy up to 25 percent of the dwelling's floor area, or alternatively use one accessory structure such as a detached garage. Applications go through the Planning Commission's review process under UDO § 14-424-23-B. Operating without the required license is punishable by a fine of $100 to 90 days in jail, per day of violation.
Violations & Fines
Operating a home-based business without the required occupation license is punishable by a fine of not less than $100 and up to 90 days in jail, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to run a home business in Independence?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Independence
How Independence compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Compare Independence to another location·View the Missouri home business overview
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Zoning & Home Occupation Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jackson County handle zoning & home occupation permits.