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Chatham County, GA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing section
Chatham Zoning Sec. 2-28
Area limit
No more than 25% of dwelling
Employees
Resident family members only
Equipment
Customarily found in the home
Location
Carried on within the dwelling

Summary

Chatham County's zoning ordinance allows a home occupation carried on inside a dwelling, using no more than 25% of the gross livable area, employing only resident family members, and using only equipment customarily found in the home.

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

An occupation carried on within a dwelling, occupying no greater than 25% of the gross livable area of the dwelling, employing only family members residing in the home, using only such equipment as is customarily found in the home.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under Section 2-28 of the Chatham County Zoning Ordinance, administered through the Metropolitan Planning Commission and Chatham County Building Safety & Regulatory Services, a home occupation must be carried on within the dwelling and occupy no greater than 25% of the gross livable area. Only family members residing in the home may be employed, and only equipment customarily found in a home may be used. The occupation is limited to selling articles, products, or services produced in the home, or arranging off-site delivery of off-site-produced products or services. Certain conditional uses such as boarding two guests, a family day care home, or a small beauty parlor are also allowed.

Violations & Fines

A home occupation exceeding these limits is a zoning violation enforced by Chatham County code enforcement through notices of violation, citations, and civil penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run a business from my home in unincorporated Chatham County?
Yes, as a home occupation under Section 2-28: inside the dwelling, using no more than 25% of the livable area, with only resident family members working.
What kinds of home occupations are allowed?
Selling articles, products, or services produced in the home, or arranging off-site delivery of off-site-produced goods or services, plus a few listed conditional uses.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Chatham County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsSignage RulesSome RestrictionsCottage Food OperationsSome RestrictionsHome DaycareSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: FireworksHeavy Restrictions

All Chatham County rules

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

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