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Home businesses exist in most neighborhoods throughout the City. You may not
even be aware of one in your neighborhood. For the most part, home businesses
are compatible with a neighborhood's residential character and make good
neighbors. Occasionally, however, problems do arise. Most are resolved through
communication and neighborhoods remain quiet and friendly. The following
represent the most often asked questions:
Where can a home business be located?
A home business may be located within any
residential zone in the Redmond city limits. Presently, there are home
businesses within the Willows, Sammamish Valley, Education Hill, Grass Lawn,
City Center, Bear Creek, and Overlake neighborhoods
What types of home businesses are currently in the City?
Redmond currently has over 800 home businesses - they range from software
development to gift basket services and include desktop publishing, marketing
services, legal offices, medical transcribing, and hair cutting.
Can a home business store goods, materials, or products outside their home?
No - a home business must be conducted wholly within the home or
garage/accessory structure area, with the exception of play equipment related to
a home daycare business.
Do I need to occupy the home I have my business in?
Yes, residency is a required element of conducting a home business. Otherwise,
it becomes a commercial establishment located within a neighborhood.
How many employees can I have working at my home business?
If they are family members residing at the residence, there is no limit.
However, only one person outside the family group may work at the residence.
This is to keep area traffic to a minimum.
Does the City restrict certain materials from entering my neighborhood?
Yes, The City does not allow any toxic, explosive, flammable, combustible,
corrosive, etiologic (i.e. - medical waste), radioactive, or other restricted
materials to be stored or used on the site. The City is careful to review this
potential problem area.
Can a home business build an illuminated storefront entrance?
No. A home business must maintain and not change the neighborhood's appearance
and residential character. The City prohibits exterior alterations, parking
expansion, the creation of separate entrances, the use of signage (other than on
a business related vehicle), and the exterior storage of materials. If a
business owner is not willing to comply with these restrictions, the applicant
will be encouraged to seek a business space within a commercial or industrial
zone..
How many customers can a home business generate?
The City limits visitors, customers, deliveries, and/or other business traffic
to eight or less visits a day. Businesses that are seeking more traffic or
parking are encouraged to locate at an existing commercial location.
Can I operate an auto repair business out of my home?
No. The City does not permit home-based businesses to perform auto/boat
repair, body work, windshield repair, welding, detailing, or vehicle painting.
Is there a limit on the number of business vehicles I can operate in my
home business?
Yes, no more than one vehicle may be operated from the premises. Taxicab, van
shuttle, and limousine services, for example, cannot be based from a residence.
In addition, vehicles weighing over 10,000 pounds may not be operated out of the
home or park on the property or adjacent streets.
Who reviews home business licenses?
Depending on the proposed use, home businesses may be reviewed by Finance,
Planning, Building, Fire, and/or Police personnel.
How can I apply for a home business license?
Call the business licensing office at 425-556-2193 and they will send you a
license application form.
How do I know if the type of business I want to start is allowed in my
home?
Feel free to contact the Planner-On-Call via e-mail or at (425) 556-3447.
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