Home-based businesses in Jersey City are regulated under Chapter 345 (Zoning/LDO). A home occupation permit is required. Home businesses must remain secondary to residential use, must not generate excessive traffic or noise, and must not alter the residential character of the property.
Chapter 345 (Zoning) and the Jersey City Land Development Ordinance regulate home occupations. A Certificate of Occupancy or home occupation approval from the Division of Zoning is required before operating a business from a residence. Home businesses must be clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling. Requirements typically include: no more than one non-resident employee on premises; no external alterations to the building indicating commercial use; no exterior signage (or very limited); no customer/client traffic inconsistent with residential character; no storage of commercial equipment visible from outside; no manufacturing. Contact the Division of Zoning at (201) 547-4832 for specific requirements.
Operating a home business without approval: zoning violation, fines, and cease-and-desist order.
Jersey City, NJ
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