Irondequoit, NY Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

A home occupation in the Town of Irondequoit is any activity involving the sale, manufacture or provision of goods and/or services for monetary gain that stays incidental and subordinate to the residence. Section 235-8A(7)(a) adds that it cannot require exterior alteration that changes the residential character of the home or the neighborhood.

The code lists what counts. Included uses are general office, business and professional services such as computer services, doctors, counselors and bookkeeping; studios and work spaces for crafts, fine arts and cooking; direct sales product distribution; and individual or small group instruction such as music lessons. Excluded uses are retail sales, firewood sales, firearms sales, medical or nursing home facilities, funeral homes, restaurants, motels, hotels, rooming houses, kennels, animal hospitals, mortuaries, personal services such as a spa, piercing, tattoo or hairdresser, welding, large appliance repair, storage facilities, repair, storage and painting of motorized vehicles or boats, places of amusement, and dance, aerobic exercise or martial art studios.

The operating limits in § 235-8A(7)(d) go beyond floor area. Outside storage and display of goods is prohibited, and goods displayed or stored inside cannot be visible from outside the residence. The occupation cannot require trash and recyclables pickup beyond what single-family residential areas normally get. No signage related to the home occupation can be displayed. Noxious, combustible, corrosive, flammable, explosive or radioactive materials are prohibited, and the use cannot produce offensive noise, odors, vibrations, smoke, fumes, heat or dust detectable beyond the premises.

To get approval, the owner submits a completed home occupation application form with the applicable fee to the Director of Community Development. A tenant must attach written, signed permission from the property owner. Approval ceases when the property is sold, and a denied applicant can appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals.