Zoning and Codes
Home Business
Douglas County is host to a wide array of individuals who make their living doing what they love. In the spirit of entrepreneurship, many residents have started a business in their very own home.
While home businesses can be great, many unintentionally lead to adverse effects on adjacent neighbors and properties. For this reason, home based businesses have been categorized into Type 1 and Type 2. Type 2 home based businesses are required to register their business through Douglas County Zoning and Codes.
What is a Type 1 Business?
A Type 1 business can generally be conducted wholly within the dwelling unit and are ancillary to the primary residential use. Type 1 business uses include, but not limited to:
- Maximum full-time non-resident employees allowed: 2
- Uses allowed: Professional/service-type offices (tax advisors, insurance agent, art studio, small educational classes), Personal Services (barber/beauty shops, seamstresses), etc.
Type 1 home businesses are not required to register provided that the standards of 12-306-21 are met.
What is a Type 2 Business?
Type 2 home businesses are typically incidental and accessory to the primary residential use. Common type 2 businesses are service-oriented or involve the production of materials for sale off premise:
- Maximum full-time non-resident employees allowed: 4
- Uses allowed: All Type 1, equipment storage, welding, mechanical device assembly and repair, etc.
Type 2 home businesses are required to biennially register and pay a registration fee.
What uses are prohibited in Type 1 and Type 2?
- Auto/vehicle repair
- Funeral home
- Trailer, car, or other equipment rental
- Restaurants