Queen Anne's County, MD Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Section 18:1-56 of the Queen Anne's County Code opens with its purposes: to set criteria for home occupations in dwelling units in residential districts, to encourage business formation and home-based businesses compatible with residential and mixed-use areas, and to protect adjacent residential properties. Subsection B is the permit step. No home occupation can be established until a home occupation zoning certificate is issued under § 18:1-138, where the Planning Director issues zoning certificates and must promptly tell the owner in writing the reasons for any refusal. The certificate lapses automatically if the property is used for nonresidential purposes, if the dwelling is sold or rented, if the operator dies, if the certificate lapses or is not renewed, or if the home occupation is discontinued for 180 days or more and not renewed within 30 days of written notice from the Planning Director.

Subsection C lists thirteen standards. The business must comply with state and local law, hold a valid certificate before operating, and have a full-time resident operator and no more than two employees whose employment requires them to be in the home. It cannot change the essential residential character of the structure or property, store or use flammable, combustible, or explosive materials, use mechanized equipment outside an enclosed building, or generate dust, odor, noise, vibration, or electrical interference perceptible beyond the property line. Outside storage must be screenable from adjacent streets and properties, and parking is limited to existing residential driveways without creating hazards or street congestion. No vehicle with a payload rating of more than 1.5 tons can be parked there.

Signage is limited to one nonilluminated nameplate not exceeding two square feet, affixed to the residence not more than two feet from the main entrance; § 18:1-81 allows that one sign without a sign permit. Deliveries and pickups must be those normally associated with residential uses and can occur only between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Section 18:1-49 also requires outside storage of material necessary for a permitted home occupation to be completely screened.