Pontiac, MI Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Section 2.536 of the Pontiac Zoning Ordinance allows home occupations only as accessory to a residential dwelling's principal use, subject to nine lettered conditions. Section 2.536(A) bars any exterior alteration or conduct that would make the premises look or sound different from an ordinary residence, covering colors, materials, construction, lighting, signage, and noise or vibration. Section 2.536(B) caps employment at no more than two people who are not members of the immediate family occupying the dwelling. Section 2.536(C) confines the activity to the basement, the garage, or no more than 50 percent of the gross floor area of one floor of the residence, and specifically bars using any other accessory building for the purpose.

Section 2.536(D) forbids outside storage of any kind tied to the home occupation, and Section 2.536(E) limits traffic and delivery impact: the use cannot add more than one extra vehicle at a time, and truck deliveries cannot come more often than about once a week on average. Section 2.536(G) allows only one nameplate sign, capped at 2 square feet, attached to the principal building. Section 2.536(H) bars the occupation from creating noise, dust, vibration, smell, smoke, glare, electrical interference, or fire hazard beyond what an ordinary residence in that district would produce.

Disputes go to the Zoning Board of Appeals under Section 2.536(I), which holds a public hearing under Article 6, Chapter 9, decides whether the activity is in fact a lawful home occupation, and may issue a yearly renewable permit with or without restrictions, or refer the matter for prosecution in district court or an injunction in circuit court if it is not.