FAQs • Maricopa County, AZ • CivicEngage

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What determines if the activity occurring is a business?: The Zoning Ordinance does not list businesses (i.e. commercial activity) as a permitted primary use in rural or residential districts; however, many accessory commercial businesses can be permitted under the residential home occupation definition or the cottage industry definition assuming the required standards dealing with the level of activity and effects on surrounding properties are adhered to.

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Planning & Development - Home Occupation

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1. Where/when can a business be operated from a residence?: There are 2 types of home occupation definitions in the Zoning Ordinance:
1. Residential home occupations, which are allowed as an accessory use in any rural or residential zoning district, subject to the conditions outlined in the Use Regulations of Chapters 5 and 6 of the Ordinance. Garage/yard sales or home parties that are held for the sale of goods or services are not considered a home occupation, provided these sales do not exceed 6 days in one year.

2. Cottage industries are permitted in rural and residential zoning districts, subject to obtaining a Special Use Permit approved by the Board of Supervisors (as outlined in Chapter 13 of the Ordinance).

2. What determines if the activity occurring is a business?: The Zoning Ordinance does not list businesses (i.e. commercial activity) as a permitted primary use in rural or residential districts; however, many accessory commercial businesses can be permitted under the residential home occupation definition or the cottage industry definition assuming the required standards dealing with the level of activity and effects on surrounding properties are adhered to.