Scranton, PA Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

Pennsylvania law treats home occupations as a zoning matter under the MPC; 53 P.S. §10603(b)(1) authorizes Scranton to designate uses permitted by right, by special exception, or by conditional use in each district. A common three-tier framework adopted in many PA municipalities (and reflected in similar form in Scranton's Zoning Ordinance) is: (1) No-Impact Home-Based Business — permitted by right under the statewide minimum provision at 53 P.S. §10107 (defining a "no-impact home-based business" as one conducted by occupants only, with no employees, no external evidence of the business including signage or traffic, no use of equipment beyond ordinary household equipment, and no hazardous activities), which Scranton must permit in residential districts; (2) Minor or Customary Home Occupation — permitted by right or by zoning permit with additional limits on floor area (typically 25% of the dwelling), one non-resident employee, and limited customer traffic; (3) Major Home Occupation — permitted only by special exception from the Zoning Hearing Board with proof of compatibility, limits on customer visits, off-street parking, and hours of operation. Scranton enforcement focuses on traffic, noise, and signage complaints. Businesses must also comply with any City of Scranton business tax obligations administered locally (including the city's Business Privilege and Mercantile Tax under PA Act 511 / Local Tax Enabling Act, 53 P.S. §6924.101 et seq.) and any state professional licensing (Department of State Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs).