Home occupations are permitted in Orange County NY residential zones as an accessory use, subject to each town or village zoning code. Typical limits: no more than 25 percent of dwelling floor area used for business, no more than 1 non-resident employee, no outside storage, no exterior evidence of the business, and no increase in traffic.
Orange County itself does not regulate home occupations; each of the county's 42 towns and villages enforces its own zoning. Representative examples: Town of Warwick Chapter 164 allows home occupations as accessory use in residential districts, limited to 25 percent of habitable floor area, one non-resident employee, no outdoor storage or display, and no exterior sign larger than 2 sq ft. Town of Wallkill Chapter 249 requires a special permit from the Planning Board for home occupations that generate more than 5 customer trips per day. Town of Newburgh Chapter 185 and Town of New Windsor Chapter 300 take similar approaches. Prohibited uses across most towns include auto repair, welding, large animal boarding, and retail open to walk-in customers. Some uses (home offices, tutoring, crafts, consulting) are permitted by right; others (family daycare, beauty salon) require a special permit. Violations are typically processed through town justice court with fines per town code.
Town zoning violations: fines typically 250-1,000 dollars per day under Town Law 268 and local code, cease-and-desist orders, and possible injunctive relief from Supreme Court.
Orange County, NY
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See how Middletown's zoning restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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