Zoning Rules and Regulations

How to make sure your business complies with local zoning laws

By Tom Nutile, Principal, TN Communications Group

When you're looking for a location to set up shop, keep local zoning ordinances in mind. Whether you're hoping to operate a business from your home, or you're in the hunt for a commercial site, zoning regulations play an important role in your decision. Launching a business that doesn't comply with local regulations can be disastrous — especially if you've signed a long-term lease, spent money on lease improvements and shelled out cash for business cards, brochures and letterhead pre-printed with the address.

Likewise, it's important to pay attention to zoning laws when expanding an existing business. Changing the products or services offered can lead to non-compliance with zoning laws.

Zoning laws typically divide land usage into three categories:

Residential
Commercial
Industrial

Check zoning for home-based businesses

In many areas, you can operate a business out of your home as long as your home is still used primarily for a residence and the business is non-polluting and doesn't negatively impact your neighbors.
Try: See how zoning and planning boards and regulations work at LegalMatch.com. Ask questions about home-based business zoning laws at FreeAdvice.com.

Check commercial and industrial zoning laws

Every local municipality has its own zoning ordinances concerning commercial and industrial land use. Get familiar with your local laws before setting up shop or expanding your business.
Try: Find state, county, municipal and local land use and zoning law sites at MegaLaw.com.

Seek community support

If you discover that you're located in an area that isn't properly zoned for your type of business, seek community support for your business. If you can convince zoning and planning boards that your business is indispensable to the community, you may be allowed to stay in your current location.
Try: Enlist the assistance of your local Chamber of Commerce to rally support. Ask customers to sign a petition in your favor and present it to your zoning board.

Consider seeking a variance or conditional use permit

If your business doesn't conform completely to existing zoning laws, you can seek a variance or conditional-use permit by going before the planning or zoning board. Your chances are better if you hire a lawyer who handles zoning matters and knows the regulations and boards in your community.
Try: Search for a lawyer in your area who specializes in land usage and zoning laws at Lawyers.com.

Seek a zoning change

When all else fails, consider petitioning for a zoning change. It's an uphill battle, but it may be worth it if you believe you can generate sufficient income from your business.
Try: The Home-Based Business Council provides a sample ordinance.

Keep your neighbors happy

If you're running a home-based business, you can avoid running into trouble with the zoning board by being considerate of your neighbors. Keep traffic to your home business to a minimum by scheduling meetings off-site and dropping off packages rather than scheduling pick-ups from shipping companies. It's also best to get your business mail through a commercial service and to store inventory off-site.
Try: Click to find a local Mailboxes Etc. or MailboxIT site. Find a self-storage operation at SelfStorage.org. Locate the UPS store nearest you.

If new zoning laws are enacted in your area, and your business no longer conforms to them, you can't be forced to relocate or make changes to your operation.
If in doubt about how zoning or planning officials will treat your business, check with your local Chamber of Commerce.
If you are setting up a home business, research whether zoning ordinances allow you to have employees at your home.