The proposed law would eliminate the need for home-based business owners to undergo a review by their local zoning boards to encourage small entrepreneurship.
A bill passed by the New Jersey General Assembly would streamline regulations for home-based businesses to allow entrepreneurs to more easily operate out of their homes.
As Neill Borowski explains in 70 and 73, “The legislation calls for new approaches to zoning to support the operations and growth of small businesses” and would exempt businesses from having to appear before their local zoning boards, but opponents including the New Jersey State League of Municipalities say the bill would allow illegal businesses to operate.
“The bill also limits the activities of the home-based businesses, including the volume of business visitors to the residence. Signs, lighting and parking are prohibited. The home-based businesses also could not disrupt the neighborhood with vibration, fumes or odors.”
Proponents of loosening regulations on home-based businesses say they are often hampered by outdated zoning codes, stifling small business development and entrepreneurship.
FULL STORY: Home-based businesses wouldn't need zoning approval under proposed New Jersey law.
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City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research