Home occupations are permitted in all Madison zoning districts that allow residential uses. Minor home occupations are permitted by right; major home occupations require a special exception from the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The use must stay clearly incidental and secondary to the dwelling.
Under Article XIV of the Madison Zoning Ordinance, a home occupation must be conducted entirely within the dwelling by its inhabitants (with limited exceptions for day care, professional services, and certain outdoor instruction). For minor home occupations, no more than one room may be used (except family day care), and the use must not alter the residential character of the structure through colors, materials, lighting, signs, sounds, or vibrations carrying beyond the premises. No offensive noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odor, heat, or glare may be noticeable at or beyond the property line, and the use may not create greater vehicle or pedestrian traffic than normal for the district. Prohibited home occupations include auto repair, barber/beauty shops (minor), medical/dental offices, and
Operating a home occupation contrary to Article XIV, or without the required permit, is subject to the penalties in Section 13-2 of the Zoning Ordinance.
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