Home Occupation

Below are Sections 1115.42 and 1115.421 from the Hamilton Zoning Code (HZC).  These sections list the criteria to qualify for a home occupation approval. 

If you decide you wish to establish a home occupation, you should make application by submitting a letter describing in detail the business and how it will be conducted.  The letter should also contain a statement that you have read, understand, and are able to comply with the aforementioned sections of the HZC. 

A floor plan of the residence is required to be submitted.  This plan should show the outside dimensions of the residence as well as enough detail to indicate where in the house the business will be conducted along with the dimensions of the area so it can be determined it is within the 25% limitation. 

When this information is received along with a completed building permit application for zoning review only, it will be reviewed for compliance with the code.  An on-site inspection will also be required to ensure compliance.  If all is found to be in compliance, a Zoning Certificate of Approval will be issued upon payment of a $50.00 fee as required by Section 1190.05 from the Hamilton Zoning Code. 

If you have any questions or wish additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the Zoning Inspector at 513.785.7367. 

Sections 1115.42 and 1115.421, Hamilton Zoning Code 

1115.42        Customary Home Occupations: Customary home occupations such as handicrafts, art or music lessons, dressmaking, millinery, laundry, preserving and home cooking, provided that not more than one-fourth (1/4) of the area of one floor of said residence shall be used for such purposes.  In addition, such customary home occupation shall meet the criteria as specified in Section 1115.421 below.  This shall not prohibit customary occupations which:  (1) Use the residence as a headquarters, (2) Do not employ any person on the premises other than the occupant, (3) Does not require the storage of other than minor materials none of which shall be outside the building, (4) Does not receive delivery of materials or goods in commercial trucking vehicles.   

1115.421      Customary home occupations shall meet the following criteria: 

(A) No unreasonable use of material or mechanical equipment not recognized as being part of and compatible with normal household use.

(B) The use shall not generate pedestrian or vehicular traffic beyond that reasonable or normal to the district in which located.

(C) It shall not involve the use of commercial vehicles for delivery of materials to or from the premises.

(D) It shall not involve the use of signs other than one non-illuminated sign, not over two (2) square foot in area, and attached flat against the principal building:  and there shall be no public display of goods.

(E) No accessory building or space outside of the principal building shall be used for such purposes, except for minor storage.

(F) No special space within the principal building shall be designed or arranged for such use nor shall it require any internal or external alterations or involve construction features not customary to dwellings (either by color, materials or construction, lighting, sound or noise vibration, or electrical interference, etc.).

(G) There shall be no use of utilities or community facilities beyond that reasonable to the use of the property for residential purposes.

(H) There shall be no sale of products or services not produced on the premises.