Planning & Community Development

Home Occupations

Purpose:
To engage in a home occupation that is not the primary use of the home but as an accessory use in approved residential zoning districts.

This home occupation permit does not substitute or supersede any other deed restrictions or neighborhood covenants.

Home Occupation Application:

If you wish to obtain zoning clearance for a home occupation, you will need the following to apply:

• A completed "Home Occupation Permit Application"
• Detailed information about any services, storage, materials, products, etc. This will help in the review process.
• Read the attached UDO requirements.
• If you do not own the home you will need to provide a notarized letter from the property owner authorizing you to conduct the business from the home. If you live in a mobile home park you will need to provide a letter from the property owner.
• Payment in the amount of $35.00. Checks are to be made payable to the City of Suffolk.

Submittal:
Your application will be reviewed by a Technician. The criteria will be read and discussed with you and how it pertains to your home occupation request. At that time the Technician will request a signature that indicates you agree to abide by the UDO requirements for a Home Occupation.

Once Approved:
* Once the Technician approves your submission, you will be able to schedule an inspection of your property for zoning clearance.
* Upon approval from the zoning inspector, you may return to the office and pick up your zoning approval to present to the Commissioner of Revenue for your business license, if required.

Contact the Virginia D.P.O.R. to determine if any state licenses and/or certifications are required for your home occupation.

Phone: (804) 367-8500 TDD: (804) 367-9753 Fax: (804) 367-2475 Complaints: (804) 367-8504

3600 West Broad Street Richmond, VA 23230 E-Mail: dpor@dpor.virginia.gov Web: http://www.dpor.virginia.gov

What do the zoning inspectors check during their inspections?

• Test to ensure all smoke detectors are functional.
• Observe your work area.
• Check for code violations according to the UDO ordinance.

For more information please see the front counter at Community Development.

Examples of Permitted Home Occupations:

• Low Volume office (insurance, realty), Word processing and other computer applications
• Home offices only.
• One-chair beauty shop
• Seamstress

These types of home occupations shall be operated and maintained to not interfere with the peace, quiet and dignity of the neighborhood.

Child Day Care

• Permitted in zones A, RR, RE, RL, RLM, RM, RC, RU.
• 5 or fewer clients
• Cannot operate business before 7 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
• 25% or less gross floor area of home for daycare
• Must comply with UDO 31-707 regulations attached to your application.

Home Occupations NOT Permitted

• Medical/dental office
• Motor vehicle repair or similar uses
• Temporary or permanent motor vehicle display for purposes of sale or lease, restoration or conversion, engine repair
• Gymnastic facilities or outdoor recreation activities
• Studios
• Medical/cosmetic facilities for animals including animal care or boarding facilities
• Mortuaries
• Contractor’s shops
• Medical procedures
• Body piercing and/or painting
• Tattoos
• Furniture refinishing
• Any type of physical or psycho therapy
• Retail sales
• Machine shop/metal working
• Commercial food preparation and catering

These are examples (including but not limited to) of home occupations that are not permitted. If you wish to conduct these types of businesses you will need to find a business location zoned for these types of activities.

I already have one home occupation. Can I have another?
Your home occupations cannot total more than 25% gross floor area. The requirements of the UDO will still apply to all home occupations.

What if I decide to do things differently than was approved?
You may be in violation of our zoning ordinance and you may receive a violation notice pursuant to §31-310 of this Ordinance. If you are found to be in violation, your permit may be revoked.

Still have questions? Please contact Community Development for more information