Home Based Business

Home Based Businesses (aka Home Occupations)


Definition:

Section 2.02.02(K) of the Walton County Land Development Code defines a Home Based Business (AKA Home Occupation) as: "A business, profession, occupation. or trade operating in accordance with F.S. 559.955 and conducted by a resident of the home for gain or support and located entirely within a residential building or structural accessory thereto, which use is accessory, incidental and secondary to the use of the building for dwelling purposes and does not change the essential residential character or appearance of such building." 

 

How it Works:

Before opening a business in your home, you will need approval of "home occupation permit." A home occupation must be operated from a bona fide dwelling unit as a temporary accessory use subordinate and incidental to the dwelling without changing the residential character of the home. These types of uses are to be minimal in intensity, not exceeding 25% of the gross floor area of the home. Further, a home occupation must not create a nuisance by emitting fumes, vibrations, noise, glare, odors, or electrical interference. 

Other standards that a home based business must consider include the following: the proposed business cannot create additional traffic within the residential neighborhood; the proposed business can have up to two (2) employees; the proposed business will not be allowed to change the residential nature of the structure or the appearance of the home or premises with visible evidence of the home occupation; and the display of or storage of materials associated with the business, visible form the right-of-way, is prohibited.

 

Usage:

This type of permit allows a resident to operate in their home office (i.e. one could provide a bookkeeping service from a rental house) as long as they live at that particular address doing that particular business. These permits are not renewed yearly; however, should that person move, or decide to modify their business, a new permit is required.

 

How to Apply:

To seek approval of a Home Occupation Permit. you will need to submit an application for a Home Based Business through the EnerGov application portal at the following link: https://waltoncountyfl­energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/SelfService#/home. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Planning and Development Services staff by phone at 850-267-1955, or by email at planning@mywaltonfl.gov.


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