Zoning and Use Restrictions for businesses

If you are moving into a location for the first time, a basic starting point is to verify that the zoning designation will permit the proposed business activity. This is necessary for home-based businesses (in residential areas) as well as those in commercial zones.

There are a number of factors that determine if a business is allowed in certain zoning categories such as:

• Any special zoning conditions placed on the property by previous zoning actions
• Use permits that are required for the business to operate
• Other issues previously tied to the property
• Is there enough parking to meet the zoning requirements
• Are there deed restrictions that affect business activity? This is especially important in residential zones. To determine this review your Deed and Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for the property.
• Will this use require rezoning the property
• Is the uses specifically allowed in the zone or specifically prohibited

Verify zoning before applying for a business license, signing a lease, purchasing a property or moving into a rental facility.  A Tax and Licensing Office will require verification of zoning before your business license is approved. You do not want to be tied to a location where the zoning does not allow for your business. 

Home Based Businesses – If you want to operate a business out of your home, and reside in an area covered by a Home Owners Association, it is important to check for any restrictions its rules place on home based businesses as well as zoning requirements.

We found some of this information in the Scottsdale AZ.gov webpage.  Although some of their information pertains to that specific city and state, the information we provided above applies to the majority of US cities and states.