Home businesses, also known as home occupations, are generally allowed in residential zones in Salem. You do not need special approval or a business license to start a home business. However, your business must meet certain standards, which are described below. [Salem Revised Code (SRC) Chapter 700]
Types of businesses
Home businesses can provide a service but cannot include on-site sales. Some examples of businesses that are allowed include the following:
- Massage therapist
- Dress-making or alterations
- Mail-order business
- Caterer
- Home office of a lawyer or accountant
People involved in the business
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Resident operated: You must live on the property to operate a home business.
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One non-resident: Only one non-resident employee or volunteer can work on your property.
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Additional people: Additional people may be employed by or associated with your home business as long as they do not report to work or pick up/deliver at your property.
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No gatherings: Your property cannot be used as a gathering place for non-resident people who work off-site.
Structural limitations
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Enclosed structures: Business operations must occur in enclosed structures and cannot give the appearance of a business.
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Accessory structures: The total floor area of all accessory structures used in connection with your home business cannot cover more than five percent of the total lot area.
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Business space: The total floor area of all buildings and accessory structures used in connection with your home business cannot exceed 25 percent of the habitable space of your home.
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Alterations: No alterations can be made to the building that would prevent it from being used exclusively as a residence in the future.
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Off-street parking: No alterations to your property can be made that would reduce the number of off-street parking spaces required for your residence(s) under
SRC Chapter 806.
Vehicles and parking
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Customer parking: Parking of customer's or client's vehicles cannot create a hazard or excessive congestion.
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Deliveries and pick-ups: Delivery and pick-up of materials can only be made by vehicles not exceeding two axles in size.
Storage
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Hazardous materials: On-site storage of hazardous materials not normally incidental to household living, such as toxic, explosive, noxious, combustible, or flammable materials is prohibited.
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Outside storage or display: Outside storage or display of materials, equipment, or merchandise used or produced in connection with your home business is prohibited.
Respectful business operation
Your home business cannot create a public or private nuisance such as the following:
- Noise or vibrations
- Odors, fumes, or smoke
- Fire hazard
