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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, North Redmond, Grass Lawn,
Downtown, Bear Creek, Viewpoint, and Overlake neighborhoods
Can I operate more than one business out of my
house?
Yes, providing that these additional businesses adhere to the home business
regulations and do not impact the neighborhood.
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, hair cutting, and family day
care.
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.
Family day care providers may have up to two additional employees. 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
or display a sign?
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?
No combination of visitors, customers, and/or deliveries may exceed a total of
eight per 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.
"Office-only" motor vehicle related home businesses are allowed.
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 Natural Resources.
How do I know if the type of business I want to
start is allowed in my home?
Please contact the Planner-On-Call by telephone at 425-556-2494 or by email at
planneroncall@redmond.gov.
How can I apply for a home business license?
Please contact the business licensing office at 425-556-2193 and they will be
able to assist you.
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