Home Occupation

Certain occupational uses termed "home occupations" are allowed in dwelling units on the basis that such uses are minor to the use of the premises as a residence. They have special regulations that apply to ensure that home occupations will not be a detriment to the character and livability of the surrounding neighborhood. The regulations ensure that the accessory home occupation remains subordinate to the residential use and the residential viability of the dwelling is maintained. The regulations recognize that many types of jobs can be done in a home with little or no effect on the surrounding neighborhood and, as such, may be permitted provided such uses are:
  1. Compatible with residential uses
  2. Conducted within the bona fide residence of the principal practitioner
  3. Limited in extent and do not detract from the residential character of the neighborhood
  4. Minor to the use of the premises as a residence

Home Occupation Types

There are two types of home occupations, Type A and Type B.

Permit requirements and uses allowed in each type vary and are allowed only if they comply with all of the requirements of this ordinance. Deviation from any standard requires a variance approval from City Council.
  1. General Provisions
  2. Type A
  3. Type B
In Marietta, All home occupations shall comply with:
  1. A home occupation shall be incidental and accessory to the use of a dwelling as a residence. No more than 750 square feet or 25 percent of the floor space, whichever is less, of the dwelling unit (including attached garages) may be used for the occupation.
  2. There shall be no exterior evidence of the home occupation or alteration of the residence and/or accessory buildings to accommodate the home occupation. Internal or external changes which will make the dwelling appear less residential in nature or function are prohibited. Examples of such prohibited alterations include construction of parking lots, paving of required setbacks, or adding commercial-like exterior lighting. Any alteration or addition which expands the floor area of the principal structure dedicated to the home occupation use shall void the existing business license and require a new business license be obtained, subject to property compliance verification by the Department of Development Services. For Type B home occupations a new public hearing must be held for the rights associated with the special land use permit to be reestablished.
  3. There shall be no outside operations or exterior storage of inventory or materials to be used in conjunction with a home occupation.
  4. Off-site employees of the resident shall not congregate on the premises for any purpose concerning the home occupation nor park their personal vehicles at the location.
  5. No article, product or service used or sold in connection with such activity shall be other than those normally found on the premises.
  6. No more than one vehicle associated with the home occupation may be parked at the site. Such vehicle is limited to one and a half-ton carrying capacity and must be used exclusively by the resident and parked on a valid improved surface.
  7. No use or activity may create noise, dust, glare, vibration, smoke, smell, electrical interference or any fire hazard.
  8. All home occupations shall be subject to periodic inspections by the Department of Development Services.
  9. Any type of repair or assembly of vehicles or equipment with internal combustion engines (such as autos, motorcycles, marine engines, lawn mowers, chain saws and other small engines) or of large appliances (such as washing machines, dryers, and refrigerators) or any other work related to automobiles and their parts is prohibited.
  10. Group instruction, assembly or activity shall be prohibited.
  11. Accessory home occupations may not serve as headquarters or dispatch centers where employees come to the site and are dispatched to other locations.
  12. The Department of Development Services must approve all business licenses which shall be re-certified annually.