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Macomb County, MI Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Who regulates
City/township zoning
County role
None (no county zoning)
Employees
Family/residents only
Macomb Twp floor area
Max 200 sq ft
Accessory buildings
Not allowed

Summary

Macomb County does not zone home-based businesses; each city and township does. Local ordinances typically allow a home occupation only if it stays incidental to the residence, employs only family, uses limited floor area, and shows no outside evidence of the business.

City-specific rules exist: Sterling Heights, and Warren have their own zoning & home occupation permits rules that differ from Macomb County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

No person other than members of the family residing on the premises shall be engaged in such occupation... not more than two hundred (200) square feet of floor area of the dwelling unit shall be used... No home occupation shall be conducted in an accessory structure.

Full Breakdown

Zoning of home-based businesses in Macomb County is a city/township function: the county has no zoning authority over residential land use. Standards vary, but Macomb Township Zoning Ordinance Sec. 10.0320 is representative, permitting a home occupation in a single-family dwelling only if it stays clearly incidental to residential use, uses no more than 200 square feet within the dwelling, is not in an accessory structure, employs only resident family members, involves no sale of goods manufactured elsewhere, generates only neighborhood-normal traffic, and creates no off-lot noise, vibration, glare, fumes, or odors. Hours are limited to 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Check your own city or township ordinance and whether a permit or zoning-compliance certificate is required.

Violations & Fines

Operating a home occupation outside the local conditions, hiring non-resident employees, exceeding the floor-area cap, or using an accessory building, is a zoning violation enforced by the township or city, with notices, municipal civil infraction citations, and fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Macomb County regulate my home business?
No. Macomb County has no zoning authority over home-based businesses. Your city or township zoning ordinance controls: for example, Macomb Township Sec. 10.0320. Check with your local planning/zoning office.
Can I hire employees for my home business?
Typically no. Macomb Township Sec. 10.0320 allows only members of the family residing on the premises to be engaged in the home occupation. Many Macomb County communities have the same restriction.
Can I run the business from my detached garage?
In Macomb Township, no. Sec. 10.0320 states no home occupation may be conducted in an accessory structure. It must be carried out completely within the dwelling. Other communities have similar limits.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Macomb County

All Macomb County rules

How Macomb County compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Compare Macomb County to another location·View the Michigan home business overview

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Zoning & Home Occupation Permits in Cities Across Macomb County