Midland, TX Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Space cap
- 500 sq ft or 10% of dwelling
- Permit needed
- None: permitted by right
- Governing section
- § 11-1-4.04.A.12(b), Zoning Ordinance
- Must stay
- Incidental and subordinate to residential use
Summary
Midland limits how much of your home a home-based business can occupy, no more than 500 square feet or 10 percent of the dwelling, whichever is greater, and no separate permit is required if you stay within the standard.
The use of the dwelling unit for the home-based business shall be clearly incidental and subordinate to its use for residential purposes by its occupants, and not more than 500 square feet or 10 percent of the square footage of the dwelling area or Accessory Building, whichever is greater, shall be used in the conduct of the home-based business;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 1 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Midland's Zoning Ordinance lists Home-Based Business as a use permitted by right in every residential zoning district, so no separate permit or Specific Use Designation is required. Instead, Section 11-1-4.04.A.12(b) caps the space used: no more than 500 square feet or 10 percent of the dwelling's (or accessory building's) square footage, whichever is greater, and the business must stay 'clearly incidental and subordinate' to the home's residential use. Exceed the cap and the operation falls out of compliance with the standard governing every home occupation in the city.
Violations & Fines
Operating a home business that occupies more than 500 square feet, or 10 percent of the dwelling, whichever is greater, violates § 11-1-4.04.A.12(b) and can trigger zoning code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to run a home-based business in Midland?
How much of my house can I use for a home business in Midland?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Midland
How Midland compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Midland to another location·View the Texas home business overview
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