Home-Based Business and Occupation Regulations in the City of Arlington

The City of Arlington permits residents to operate home-based businesses in all residential zoning districts, as well as the Downtown Business (DB) and Regional Mixed-Use (RMU) districts, provided the business remains incidental to the primary use of the dwelling. Residents must obtain an annual Registration Certificate from the Building Official and are limited to one non-resident employee and a maximum area usage of 25 percent of the home's floor area [Section 3.3.6.H].

Permitted Districts and General Eligibility

In the City of Arlington, a home-based business is defined as an occupation undertaken by a resident that is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling [Section 12.3.5.J]. These uses are permitted by-right, subject to supplemental standards, in the following districts:

Residential Districts: RE, RS-20, RS-15, RS-7.2, RS-5, RM-12, RMF-22, and VG [Table 3.3-1].
Mixed-Use/Commercial Districts: DB and RMU [Table 3.3-2].

Operational Standards and Limitations

To ensure that home occupations do not negatively impact the character of City of Arlington neighborhoods, the following technical standards apply:

Requirement Category	Standard/Limitation
Maximum Area	25% of the total floor area of the house
Allowable Location	Within the living portion of the house or attached garage only
Detached Structures	Prohibited; accessory buildings cannot be used for the business
Non-Resident Employees	One (1) maximum at any one time
On-Site Sales	Wholesale or retail sales of goods on the premises are prohibited
Vehicle Weight Limit	No vehicle larger than one (1) ton may be kept on the premises
Parking	Limited to the driveway or the curb immediately adjacent to the house
Registration	Mandatory annual Registration Certificate required

Neighborhood Compatibility

The City of Arlington requires that the home occupation cause no change in the external appearance of the buildings or structures on the property [Section 3.3.6.H.4]. Outdoor displays of goods or services and any visible advertising devices (other than those located on vehicles) are strictly prohibited. Furthermore, the business must not create traffic or parking congestion, nor generate noise, vibration, odor, glare, fumes, or electrical interference detectable by normal senses off the premises [Section 3.3.6.H.4.g].

Prohibited Home Occupations

Certain business types are explicitly prohibited from operating as home occupations within the City of Arlington due to their potential for negative neighborhood impacts. These include:

Automotive Services: Auto repair, motorized implement repair, and motor vehicle towing operations [Section 3.3.6.H.5].
Instructional Services: Dance, music, or tutoring where more than four students are instructed at one time.
Professional/Medical: Dental and medical offices.
Heavy Services: Welding shops and the painting of vehicles, trailers, or boats.
Personal Services: Barber or beauty shops having more than one chair.
Lodging/Care: Nursing homes, bed and breakfasts, or other transient lodging.
General Education: Private schools with organized classes.

The Zoning Administrator maintains the authority to prohibit any other home-based business that is determined to have negative effects on the neighborhood [Section 3.3.6.H.5].

Compliance and Termination

A home-based business in the City of Arlington is considered an incidental use and does not grant the owner any vested rights. The City Council may amend the Arlington Unified Development Code at any time to terminate specific home-based business uses without creating nonconforming rights [Section 3.3.6.H.6]. Failure to comply with City ordinances or maintain the annual registration may result in the revocation of the Registration Certificate and the immediate termination of the business [Section 3.3.6.H.7].

Sections Cited