Kennewick, WA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

090 opens by giving the Planning Director broad authority: a home occupation may be approved "for any residential unit, regardless of zoning designation," but approval is conditioned on compliance with a detailed list of criteria. The use can't require structural alterations to the residence, and unless another law requires otherwise, the entrance to the home occupation has to be from within the residence itself, not a separate exterior door built for the business. The occupation, including any accessory building used for it, can't occupy more than 25 percent of the residential structure's floor area.

It's allowed to spread into a detached accessory building or structure, but only if off-street parking requirements are still met. Staffing is tightly limited: during the home occupation's first 18 months, the operator may bring on just one temporary or irregular employee or business assistant beyond members of the immediate family. No retail sales are permitted on the premises, and no materials or equipment that could bother neighboring residences through vibration, noise, odor, or interference with radio or television reception are allowed. 090(1)(n) excludes automobile repair, body shop work, dog kennels, dog boarding, and construction-related heavy equipment or vehicles.

090(2) directs denial if the Planning Director finds the applicant "cannot substantially meet each and every one" of the listed standards, a higher bar than simply meeting most of them. 090(3) makes clear a home occupation permit "is not final until the applicant has obtained a business license," so zoning sign-off alone doesn't authorize operation. 020(5) the Director's decision on any Title 18 permit is final unless appealed to the Hearing Examiner within ten days.