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

Section 275-42 J sets the citywide framework for home-based businesses. A home occupation is allowed only as an accessory use in an agricultural or residential zoning district, and only after staff review and administrative approval processed under Article III of the zoning chapter (§ 275-42 J(1)(a)); there is no by-right operation without that sign-off. The floor-area limit caps the business at 20% of the building area of the principal dwelling unit (§ 275-42 J(1)(b)). Performance standards follow: the use may produce no offensive noise, vibration, dust, odors, smoke, heat, pollution, glare, or radio/television interference, and the Plan Commission can find any of those a nuisance (§ 275-42 J(1)(c)); no materials that decompose by detonation are allowed on site (§ 275-42 J(1)(d)); the home's outside appearance cannot change and the business cannot be visible from the street (§ 275-42 J(1)(e)); goods made or used by the business cannot be stored or displayed outdoors without Plan Commission approval (§ 275-42 J(1)(f)); staffing is capped at one nonresident employee (§ 275-42 J(1)(g)); and retail or wholesale sales are prohibited except for products actually produced on the premises (§ 275-42 J(1)(h)).

The business must be carried on wholly within the principal dwelling, with no home-occupation storage in an accessory building or detached garage (§ 275-42 J(1)(j)-(k)). A long list of uses is barred outright as home occupations regardless of these standards, including auto repair shops, animal hospitals, restaurants, and mortuaries (§ 275-42 J(2)). The Department of Community Development administers approvals; enforcement runs through the general Code penalty at § 1-18.