Prince William County, VA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Under the Prince William County Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 32), a home occupation is a business activity conducted entirely within a dwelling unit by residents of that unit which is clearly incidental and secondary to the principal use as a dwelling. No employees other than the residents and no customers are permitted at the residence. The area devoted to the business may not exceed 25 percent of the dwelling's floor area. Only one light-duty vehicle (under 7,500 lbs) tied to the business is allowed on-site, deliveries are limited to one per day, and manufacturing, retail, cooking for sale, and outdoor storage are prohibited. Home employment (with limited client visits) is a separate, more intensive category.