Yakima, WA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Zoning districts covered
- SR, R-1, R-2, R-3
- Type 1 use
- By-right, business license only
- Type 3 use
- Hearing examiner approval required
- Commercial/industrial parcels
- Follow R-3 district rules
Summary
Yakima's Table 4-2 sorts home occupations into Type 1 (by-right), Type 2 (administrative review) or Type 3 (hearing examiner) approvals across the SR, R-1, R-2 and R-3 residential zoning districts.
Each permitted home occupation listed in Table 4-2 is designated as a Class (1), (2) or (3) use for a particular zoning district. Proposed home occupations in existing dwellings in the commercial and industrial zoning districts shall follow the land use requirements of the R-3 zoning district. All permitted home occupations are subject to the standards of this title, including the specific conditions of subsection C of this section and the applicable review procedures of YMC Chapters 15.13, 15.14 and 15.15. Specific uses not permitted as home occupations are listed in subsection H of this section. Table 4-2. Table of Permitted Home Occupations
Zoning District SR R-1 R-2 R-3 Barbershop, beauty parlor 1 1 1 1 Business administration* 1 1 1 1 Day care, family home* 1 1 1 1 Dentist 1 1 1 1 Dog grooming 1 1 1 1 Food preparation* 1 1 1 1 Home contractor* 1 1 1 1 Home instruction* 1—5 students 1 1 1 1 6—8 students 1 1 1 1 Home office* 1 1 1 1 Locksmith and gunsmith 1 1 1 1 Massage therapy/spa* 1 1 1 1 Physician 1 1 1 1 Product assemblage/service* 1 1 1 1 Short term rental* 1 1 1 1 Taxicab operator* 1 1 1 1 Wedding service 1 1 1 1 Unclassified home occupation See YMC § 15.04.120(G)
NOTES: * Refers to definition in YMC Chapter 15.02. 1 = Type (1) Permitted Home Occupation 2 = Type (2) Review and Approval by the Administrative Official Required 3
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4980636; v1 updated 2026-08-03; through 08-03-2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Yakima Municipal Code § 15.04.120(B), each home occupation listed in Table 4-2 -- barbershop, home office, day care, dentist, massage therapy and more -- carries a Class 1, 2 or 3 designation for the SR, R-1, R-2 and R-3 zoning districts. Class 1 uses need only a business license; Class 2 requires administrative review; Class 3 requires a public hearing before the hearing examiner. Home occupations proposed in existing dwellings located in commercial or industrial zoning districts must instead follow the R-3 district's home-occupation standards. Any occupation not listed in Table 4-2 goes to the hearing examiner for individual review under § 15.04.120(G).
Violations & Fines
Operating a Type 2 or Type 3 home occupation without the required administrative or hearing-examiner approval, or exceeding Table 4-2's use classification, can trigger denial or revocation of the home occupation approval under § 15.04.120(I).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a home business in any Yakima residential zone?
What if my home business isn't listed in Table 4-2?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima
How Yakima compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Compare Yakima to another location·View the Washington home business overview
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