Can I Turn the House I Own Outright Into a Business?

Convert rooms in your home into your place of business.

Starting a business is an exciting adventure. Your paid off home might be just the right location with low overhead cost. Use your home as a business if it is zoned appropriately, is visible, accessible and comfortable to your clientele.

Zoning Laws

Property is zoned for commercial and residential uses. A residential home cannot be used as a business without a change in zoning ordinances. Some conditional use permits allow home businesses if certain criteria are met, including providing a minimum number of parking spaces or running a paper-only business that does not require regular interaction with the public. Confirm zoning boundaries at your local town or city clerk's office.

Codes

Building codes exist to promote and maintain safe living and working environments. Your house might require costly upgrades and improvements to comply with a business building codes rather than those of a single-family home.

Finances

When starting a business, it is a good idea to keep overhead costs, such as rent, low. Certainly using your house fits this category. Keep improvements at a minimum to avoid having to take out a mortgage on the property to get your business up and running.

References

• Business.gov: Basics of Zoning Laws
• City of Sacramento Community Development Department: Code Compliance Division