Milwaukee, WI Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Milwaukee's zoning code treats a home occupation as an accessory use that must stay clearly incidental to the residential use of the dwelling. Only members of the family residing in the unit may work in the business: no outside employees. The operation cannot use an accessory building or open space (though up to 50% of a private garage may store related equipment/supplies if parking requirements are still met), cannot alter the dwelling's exterior or be apparent from outside the site, and is capped at 25% of the principal building's total usable floor area, including the basement. No signs are allowed, no extra traffic or parking beyond what a normal dwelling generates, and the business cannot involve explosives, fireworks, or motor vehicle repair/body work. Live-work units defined under § 295-201 are exempt from these standards.