Many Americans have responded to the recent economic downturn known as the Great Recession in much the same fashion as their predecessors confronted the Great Depression generations ago: by harnessing their creative and entrepreneurial spirit and forming their own businesses. Unfortunately for many of these ambitious people, local, city and state zoning laws are very restrictive in regards to starting a home based business. Without conducting the proper research and educating yourself on your area’s particular zoning laws, you may find that creating your own home based business is more difficult than the traditional hurdles of conceptual planning and capital financing.
Businesses which are operated strictly from one’s own place of residence have become increasingly popular sources of supplementary income for many cash-strapped families. Examples of common home based businesses include child day care centers, dog grooming facilities or eBay reselling operations. All of these business models, although based and operated within the home, still fall under local zoning laws and restrictions. Depending on the zoning laws in your area, you may be required to obtain necessary permits, licenses or certifications before you can begin conducting business from your home. Many zoning statues disallow home business owners from hiring outside employees to work within the residence, while others restrict the size and scope of any signage displayed from the home itself. Many municipalities prevent homeowners from selling any goods directly from their home, in an effort to protect local business owners within the city proper. Before launching a home based business of any kind, it is crucial that you study your city’s specific zoning codes and laws, preferably with the assistance of a qualified attorney or legal adviser. Without properly acquainting yourself with the zoning laws which pertain to your proposed business, it is possible that your venture may be in violation
before you ever earn your first dollar of profit.
While the vast majority of home based business owners who run afoul of local zoning restrictions are guilty of nothing more than ignorance of the law, this has consistently been proven to be no excuse. The unprepared businessperson faces the threat of stiff fines, revocation of licenses and ultimately the closure of one’s venture should they violate zoning laws to an excessive degree. To ensure that you are not among this unfortunate group of zoning law casualties, it is a great idea to consult a policy expert home insurance for legal advice pertaining to your individual circumstances. These legal experts can provide you with sound consultation and guide you through the proverbial minefield of municipal zoning codes and laws. With a combination of expert legal advice and personal responsibility, you can easily establish a legitimate home based business which is in accordance with all applicable zoning laws. Home based businesses have become a salvation of sorts for many struggling Americans. By researching zoning codes in your area and abiding by them faithfully, you can begin supplementing your income and providing for your family with a home based business.
