Renton, WA Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

Renton Municipal Code 4-9-090 (Home Occupations) permits home-based businesses in all residential zones including R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, and RMF, subject to a home occupation permit issued by Community and Economic Development. The operation must be clearly secondary and incidental to the residential use of the dwelling. Limits include: no more than 25 percent of the dwelling's floor area dedicated to the business (up to 500 sq ft max), no more than one non-resident employee on site, and no exterior alterations that change the residential character of the property. Prohibited activities include auto repair, adult entertainment, large-scale manufacturing, kennels, restaurants with dine-in service, and any activity generating significant noise, odor, smoke, vibration, traffic, or hazardous materials. Allowed activities include professional services (accountants, architects, consultants), internet businesses, artists and writers, tutoring, small-scale crafts and online sales, licensed day care up to 12 children (RCW 43.215 state licensing also required), and similar uses. A separate Renton Business License under RMC 5-5 is required for any business activity regardless of size. State UBI registration with the Washington Department of Revenue is also required.