To operate a business from your home, you must apply for a Home Occupation Permit and a Business License.
Home Occupation Permit
Home occupations are allowed within every residential district in the City but have very specific requirements as to the types of businesses that are allowed to operate. Individuals interested in operating a business from their home may apply for a Home Occupation Permit--a free application administered by the Department of Community Development.
A home occupation permit allows an individual to have a home-based business, where everything occurs within the house or an accessory structure. The only home occupation that can operate outside of a home or accessory structure is a business garden.
In general, for all home occupations, no one should be able to tell the property is being used for anything other than a residential use. When operating a home occupation, understand that:
- no advertising signs can be posted on the property;
- no customers can come to the property;
- no one who does not live on the property can be employed or work at the property;
- excessive deliveries atypical of a residential use should not occur;
- and no equipment shall be seen, noises heard, or odors smelled that is out of character from a residential use.
You may apply for a home occupation permit on-line via the Permitting Web Portal or scan and email the completed form below to permits@harrisonburgva.gov>
[243KB] Home Occupation Permit
[104KB] Permiso de Ocupación del Hogar
For information and resources for starting a business visit Harrisonburg Economic Development.
Business License
All business and professional operations must obtain a business license before commencing operation in the city of Harrisonburg, including home based businesses. A business license is obtained at that Commissioner of the Revenue Office. For more information visit Business License.