The charm of being your own boss and working without any restricted timings is making majority of youngsters’ dream of owning a business (no matter how small it is). They ignore the fact that running a home-based business is not easy for everyone. However, an important aspect, which can be a hindrance to translate their entrepreneurial dreams into reality, is the Zoning Ordinance.
Before starting a home business, it is important to consider the suitability of your neighborhood. I would advice you to check on the Zoning Ordinance because in most of the cities and countries people these laws restrict people from operating a home business. Beware that a call from an unfriendly neighbor could put your home based business at risk and make you pay for the additional expense of renting an off-site storage location.
Different types of home-businesses have made many communities revise their Zoning Laws recognizing that a computer-based business cannot be distracting like a noisy auto body shop, a malodorous hair salon or a 6 a.m. gathering point for a construction. Many people had made their perception clear by saying that they don’t have any problem with their neighbor sitting on a laptop and doing his business, but if their home business is disturbing other people living in that area then they have the right to object. Certain kinds of home businesses creating following issues are banned according to the Zoning Laws.
- Increased moving and parked vehicles in the residential lanes
- Noisy heavy loading trailers and trucks coming to your house
- Prominent signs
- Creating parking problems
- Storing hazardous materials inside or outside your home
- Noisy machinery running all day in your house
- Placing boards for directing the way to your home business location
- Increased number of people moving on streets
So, if you are ignoring the Zoning Laws then I think you are just asking for trouble down the road because one complaining neighbor can force you to move or close down. On one of the forums, I got to read this piece of advice from Strapworks.com, as he shared his experience saying:
“Unfortunately, my parents were victims of this law. A neighbor caught housing her daughter in a trailer in the backyard. The neighbor thought my parents turned her in, so she turned them in for the home business.
I recommend always checking on the city and county laws regarding home based businesses. You don’t want to get caught and be given 30 days to make a change, that’s not long enough for almost anyone.”
I would be interested in knowing that if any of you or any home business owner you know, have experienced problems with local zoning authorities.
So find out the limitations to your home business and get along with your neighbors. You have no idea how much you can lose if you get an angry neighbor complaining.
Good Luck to all!