Norfolk, VA Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

Norfolk zoning code permits Home Occupations (sometimes called Home Based Businesses) in all residential districts by right, provided the operation complies with performance standards designed to preserve residential character. Key standards: the business must be conducted primarily inside the dwelling, occupy no more than 25 percent of the dwelling floor area (or 500 sq ft in an accessory structure), have no more than one non-resident employee on-site, generate no exterior evidence of the business except as allowed for signage, produce no more customer visits than a typical residence receives, and generate no noise, odor, smoke, vibration, or electrical interference detectable off-site. Prohibited uses include auto repair, beauty shops/barber shops (limited exception with permit), restaurants, and any use requiring commercial traffic. A Home Occupation permit from the Department of City Planning costs a one-time fee (around 100 dollars), plus a Norfolk business license (BPOL tax) through the Commissioner of the Revenue.