Queens home occupations are allowed in R1 through R10 districts under NYC Zoning Resolution 12-10. They must use no more than 25 percent of the home or 500 square feet, with one non-resident employee max.
The NYC Zoning Resolution defines a home occupation as an accessory occupation carried on within a dwelling unit by the occupants, and lists the activity as a permitted accessory use in R1 through R10 residence districts across Queens. The core standards come from ZR 12-10 (definition) and ZR 22-12 (accessory use provisions for residences). A home occupation may occupy no more than 25 percent of the total floor area of the dwelling unit and in no case more than 500 square feet, whichever is less. Only one person not residing in the unit may be employed on the premises at any time. The use must be clearly incidental to the residential use, and may not involve exterior alterations, outdoor storage, display of merchandise, or the sale of articles not produced on the premises except for items offered incidental to the service. Certain professions such as medicine, law, accounting, architecture, engineering, and music teaching are expressly listed as permitted home occupations in ZR 12-10. Uses expressly excluded include advertising agencies, barber shops and beauty salons (unless the operator has no more than one chair), veterinary offices, and any use that generates significant noise, odors, vibration, or traffic. Operators should verify that their profession is permitted, that the home is not located in a Special Purpose District with modified rules, and that any signage complies with the accessory signage limits described in ZR 22-32.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Queens County's zoning restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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