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Delaware County, PA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

County permit
None issued
Apply to
Your municipality
Governing law
MPC, 53 P.S. §10101 et seq.
No-impact business
No zoning approval needed
Larger home occ
May need special exception

Summary

Delaware County issues no home-occupation permit. You apply to your borough, township, or city under its zoning ordinance and the PA Municipalities Planning Code. A true no-impact home business is a permitted use needing no zoning approval in residential districts.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Delaware County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

"No-impact home-based business." A business or commercial activity administered or conducted as an accessory use which is clearly secondary to the use as a residential dwelling...

View official code

Full Breakdown

Land use is municipal in Pennsylvania, so any home-occupation permit or zoning approval comes from your local government under the MPC (Act 247), not the county. MPC Section 107 requires municipalities to allow a no-impact home-based business as a permitted use in all residential zones; larger home occupations with employees or clients usually require a zoning permit, special exception, or conditional use from the local zoning hearing board. Contact your municipality's zoning officer for the application, and note a business may still need a local business license.

Violations & Fines

Operating a home occupation beyond permitted limits is a municipal zoning violation with cease-and-desist orders and daily fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit from Delaware County?
No. The county issues no home-occupation permit. Apply to your borough, township, or city zoning office under the MPC.
Is any approval needed for a no-impact business?
No. A qualifying no-impact home-based business is a permitted use by right in all residential zones under MPC Section 107.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Delaware County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsSignage RulesSome RestrictionsHome DaycareSome RestrictionsCottage Food OperationsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingSome Restrictions

All Delaware County rules

How Delaware County compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Compare Delaware County to another location·View the Pennsylvania home business overview

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