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A. Dear
Judith,
If you derive income from a commercial activity, you are considered running
a business. A business operated from your home is governed by the zoning laws
of your city or county. Certain types of businesses are allowed for home-based
operation; while some are not. Check with your zoning board if your type of
business is allowed to be operated from home in your community.
The goal of zoning laws is to curtail high-volume or high-traffic
activities in a residential area. Parking on the street may be limited or
prohibited. A business may be prohibited because of the potential for noise
and pollution. You may want our article "Does Your Home Business Comply
with Zoning Laws" at http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol65/zoning.htm
The article outlines
some of the common provisions of zoning laws around the country.
The litmus test is how your neighbors react to your business and the
presence of two dump trucks in your property. Zoning authorities normally do
not strictly monitor home businesses, except when complaints are filed by the
neighbors. I know of an entrepreneur who got in hot water with the zoning
authorities in her county because neighbors complained of the frequent
comings-and-goings of delivery trucks and UPS. The key is to develop good
relationships with your neighbors. You need to reassure them that your
business won't be a detriment to the neighborhood. If they feel they can
express their concerns to you directly, about parking, traffic, noise, etc.,
they are far less likely to complain to the local authorities. They are sure
to understand your desire to earn a living as long as you understand their
desire to live in a pleasant neighborhood.
Visit your zoning board as soon as possible and obtain from them their
requirements for a home-based business. That way, you will be able to know
what you can -- and cannot do -- about your business and property.
Good Luck !
About
the PowerHomeBiz.com Guide:
 Nach Maravilla is
the Publisher of Power Homebiz Guides. He has over thirty years
experience in sales and marketing of various products, which
covered as he jokingly describes, "from toothpicks to
airplanes" He also had extensive experience in
International trading and he always excelled in special promotional
ideas for retail outlets.
The opinions expressed in this column are
those of the author, not of PowerHomeBiz.com.
Users
should not treat the Guide's response as legal, accounting, or
professional advice as all answers are intended to be general in
nature. Such advice can only be properly given by qualified
professionals who are fully aware of a user's specific geographical areas or circumstances, such
as
an attorney or accountant.
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