NYC Zoning Resolution Article II Chapter 2 permits very limited home occupations in residential districts. Only licensed professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and artists may work from home, with strict limits.
In New York County (Manhattan), home-based businesses are governed by the NYC Zoning Resolution Article II Chapter 2, which is among the strictest in the country. Home occupations are permitted in residential districts only if conducted by a resident, occupy no more than 25 percent of the dwelling unit floor area or 500 square feet whichever is less, employ no non-resident workers except for specific professional offices, and produce no external evidence of the business such as signage, noise, odor, or increased traffic. Permitted home occupations include fine arts studios, dressmaking, teaching of no more than four pupils at a time, and professional offices for doctors, dentists, lawyers, architects, engineers, and similar licensed professionals. Retail sales, manufacturing, repair services, and most trades are prohibited. Violations are enforced by the NYC Department of Buildings. Co-op and condo boards often impose additional restrictions that are stricter than zoning. Contact DOB or a zoning attorney before starting a home business.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
New York, NY
New York City enforces strict noise rules under Administrative Code Title 24, Chapter 2 (the NYC Noise Code, rewritten by Local Law 113 of 2005). Sound excee...
New York, NY
NYC bans commercial vehicles on residential streets 9 PM-5 AM and caps any commercial-vehicle parking at 3 hours per block (NYC Admin Code §19-170). 'Commerc...
New York, NY
In NYC residence districts, Zoning Resolution §23-44 limits fences in front yards to 4 feet above adjoining grade and permits walls up to 8 feet (not roofed ...
New York, NY
Section 161.05 of the New York City Health Code requires every dog in any public place, or in any open or unfenced area abutting a public place, to be effect...
New York, NY
All consumer fireworks are illegal in New York City, including sparkling devices that are legal in much of New York State. NYC Fire Code Section FC 5601.3.2 ...
New York, NY
New York City has no ordinance specific to residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on private property. Landmark Preservation Commiss...
See how New York's zoning restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.