Monroe Township (Gloucester County), NJ Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Section 175-111, amended 12-11-2024 by Ord. No. O:58-2024, opens the door wide: home occupations are permitted accessory uses where associated with any residential use in the Township, within any zone. The use has to be customarily incidental and subordinate to the residential use of the premises.

The numeric limits are short. No more than two employees can work on the premises other than the bona fide residents of the dwelling unit. The square footage used for the home occupation cannot exceed 40% of the total livable square footage on the lot. Signs cannot be larger than five square feet on each of two sides.

The operating limits keep the business out of sight. The occupation has to be conducted entirely within the dwelling unit or within an accessory building or buildings, and no displays of articles for sale can be visible from the street. Subsection H bars any external change to the premises or its buildings unless the change continues the appearance of the property's principal residential use. Subsection I allows no mechanical equipment except what is normally used for purely domestic or household purposes, with an exception for medical, dental or office equipment. Subsection J says in no case shall a home occupation require parking on the adjacent residential streets, and Subsection K prohibits outdoor storage of materials, equipment or commercial vehicles.

Two neighboring sections matter. Section 175-89(C) bars any business, service or industry in a private garage except lawfully permitted home occupations under § 175-111. Section 175-112 sets a stricter 30% floor-area limit and a two square foot sign for home professional offices such as a physician, dentist, lawyer, engineer or accountant. Section 175-111 prints no application, fee or permit step of its own.