St. Louis, MO Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

St. Louis Revised Code Title 26 (Zoning) §26.40.020 defines a Home Occupation as a commercial activity conducted entirely within a dwelling by the occupants, clearly incidental and secondary to use as a residence. Allowed by-right in all 'A' through 'F' residential districts without a permit if the following performance standards are met: (1) occupies no more than 25% of the gross floor area of the dwelling, (2) no non-resident employees on premises (remote workers allowed), (3) no external storage of equipment, materials, or inventory, (4) no stock-in-trade sold from premises (except incidental to service rendered), (5) no signs other than one non-illuminated nameplate ≤2 sq ft, (6) no increase in traffic or parking beyond normal residential, (7) no noise, vibration, smoke, odor, or electrical interference beyond property line. Excluded uses include: auto repair, kennels, restaurants, medical/dental offices with in-person patients, funeral parlors, and manufacturing. A separate Business License (Gross Receipts Tax) is required from the License Collector's office regardless of home-based status.