Leander, TX Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

Under the City of Leander Composite Zoning Ordinance, a 'home occupation' is defined as an occupation that is incidental and secondary to the primary use of the premises as a residence and customarily conducted in a residential dwelling unit by a member of the occupant's family, entirely within an enclosed structure, provided the use is not detrimental or injurious to adjoining property. Home occupations are listed as a permitted use (P) in every use component in the Use Matrix (Article III, Section 20), including all single-family districts (SFR through SFU/MH), Two-Family, Multi-Family, and the commercial and industrial components. The use standards are in Article IV, Section 8. A home occupation must be conducted entirely within a completely enclosed structure; may not be detectable from any lot line; may not structurally alter the dwelling to nonresidential construction codes or add structures to accommodate the business; may not use an area exceeding 25 percent of the gross floor area of the dwelling; and may not cause a substantial increase in utility usage. The occupation may not change the residential character of the lot or alter the exterior appearance of the principal building from that of a dwelling. Article IV, Section 8(l) lists uses that may NOT be operated as home occupations, including animal breeding/hospitals, pet grooming, commercial kennels, commercial stables, veterinary offices/clinics, barber shops, beauty parlors, contractors' yards, dancing schools, junk yards, lodging houses, bed-and-breakfast lodges, massage parlors/therapy clinics, restaurants, rental outlets, and vehicle repair shops.