Home Business Occupation
Are you starting a home-based business?
Business activity within the home is limited. Always verify either in writing or in person with the Planning Division that your business may be operated in a residential area without violating zoning laws.
A business license cannot be obtained without a completed Home Occupation Registration form when required. To verify the zoning of the property you plan to use or for questions concerning zoning of a home-based business, contact the James City County Planning Division, 101-E Mounts Bay Road, Williamsburg, VA, 23185, (757) 253-6685, Fax (757) 253-6850
Forms that are available online:
If I would like to erect a sign for my home occupation - what are the limitations?
A sign for a home business is not required; however, if you desire to have one, then you may have one sign, not to exceed four (4) square feet in size. Such sign must be attached to the dwelling and shall not be illuminated.
For information on sign requirements, contact the James City County Planning Division, 101-E Mounts Bay Road, Williamsburg, VA, 23185, (757) 253-6685, Fax (757) 253-6850 or on the Internet: www.jccEgov.com
What kind of business may I have in my home?
The James City County Code for a home occupation requires that the occupation or activity be conducted entirely within the dwelling, i.e. not in the yard, garage, etc., and that no more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the first floor area is used throughout the structure for such activity.
In addition, the business cannot cause traffic to be generated in greater volumes than normal and cannot create noise, odor, smoke, dust or glare that may be detrimental to people residing in the home or on the adjacent properties.
Can I hire people to work for me?
The only people that may work out of a particular home are those that live in the home.
Is there anything else I should know before I start a Home Occupation?
Prior to starting any home occupation, contact the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office to register your business. To verify any licensing requirements of a home-based business, contact the James City County Commissioner of the Revenue, 101-B Mounts Bay Road, Williamsburg, VA, 23185, (757) 253-6698, Fax (757) 253-6733
County Requirements - Links
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