Josephine County, OR Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Residential and resource-zoned properties only
- Permit status
- Does not run with the land
- Permit tiers
- Exempt, Type I, Type II, Type III
- Exempt size cap
- 25% of combined structure square footage
- Enforcement
- Planning Director can revoke (§ 19.92.100)
Summary
Rural Josephine County lets residents run small businesses from their homes under Josephine County Code § 19.92.030, but only on residential or resource-zoned property already occupied as a residence, and the permit does not run with the land. All home occupations must comply with the noise ordinance, keep smoke, dust, odor and glare undetectable at the property line, and stay clearly secondary to the residential use.
"Home occupation" means a business in conjunction with a residential use which results in financial remuneration from a product or service and is conducted by at least one resident occupying the dwelling on the subject property. Home occupations are clearly incidental and accessory to the residential use. All home occupations shall be conducted in accordance with the following general criteria: 1. All business operations shall comply with the current noise ordinance and shall not produce offensive vibration, smoke, dust, odors, heat, glare or electrical interference detectable to normal sensory perception at the property line. 2. No construction of any structure that would not otherwise be allowed in the zone in which the home occupation is located may be established (ORS 215.448(3)). ... ... 5. Home occupations shall be secondary to the residential use of the property. ... ... 7. Type I, II and III home occupations require issuance of a development permit as final authorization.
Full Breakdown
92 of the Rural Land Development Code defines a home occupation as a business tied to a residential use that produces financial remuneration and is run by at least one resident of the dwelling; it must remain incidental and accessory to the residence, not the primary use of the property. 448(3); no storage or use of toxic or flammable materials that the Fire Marshal or DEQ finds dangerous, and a DEQ Potential Site Hazards Checklist must be filed if such materials are involved; all parking and signage kept on site, not in the right-of-way; and the business staying secondary to residential use.
040, which need no permit at all provided only the resident works the business, there are no exterior signs, no customers visit, deliveries come by postal service only, one business vehicle is kept on site, all materials stay indoors, and the business occupies no more than 25 percent of the property's combined structure square footage.
Violations & Fines
A home occupation that fails to keep up the standards of Chapter 19.92 or the terms of its permit can have that permit revoked by the Planning Director under the Chapter 19.41 revocation procedure, or the Director can require the operator to reapply at a higher permit type, per JCC § 19.92.100. General Title 19 violations also carry a fine under § 19.19.010 of up to $500 for a noncontinuing offense and up to $1,000 for a continuing one, after written notice and a chance to correct the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a home business anywhere in rural Josephine County?
Does a Josephine County home occupation permit transfer when I sell my house?
What home businesses need no permit at all?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Josephine County
How Josephine County compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Compare Josephine County to another location·View the Oregon home business overview
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