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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Provision
Sec. 54-129(2)b, (2)f, AGD district
Employee cap
Two non-family employees maximum
Size cap
30% of building floor area
Permit
None: permitted accessory use
Off-limits
Fireworks manufacture or sale

Summary

Outagamie County's AGD home-based business rule caps outside staff at two non-family employees and limits the operation to 30 percent of a building's floor area, with no separate permit required.

City-specific rules exist: Little Chute, and Appleton have their own zoning & home occupation permits rules that differ from Outagamie County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

b. Not more than two non-family members may be employed on the premises. ... f. A home-based business may not occupy more than 30 percent of any principal or accessory structure.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26).

Full Breakdown

Under Sec. 54-129(2), a home-based business in the AGD general agricultural district may employ no more than two non-family members on the premises, and can occupy no more than 30 percent of any principal or accessory structure. No noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors, or electrical interference detectable off the lot is allowed, and manufacturing or selling fireworks never counts as a home-based business. Because it's a permitted accessory use rather than a special exception, no separate permit application or hearing is required: the owner is responsible for meeting these conditions on an ongoing basis. Applies only in the AGD district, in unincorporated towns that adopted county zoning.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the two-employee cap, the 30-percent floor-area limit, or the noise/fumes standard is a Sec. 1-14(b) zoning violation: $150 for a first offense, $300 for each one after that.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many employees can I have for a home business in unincorporated Outagamie County?
No more than two non-family members on the premises, per Sec. 54-129(2)b, in addition to household members.
Do I need a permit to run a home-based business in the AGD district?
No separate permit: it's a permitted accessory use by right under Sec. 54-129(2), as long as it meets the section's size, staffing, and nuisance conditions.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Outagamie County

All Outagamie County rules

How Outagamie County compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Compare Outagamie County to another location·View the Wisconsin home business overview

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