New Jersey Bill Would Ease Permitting for Home-Based Businesses

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.

1 minute read

July 23, 2024, 7:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Woman taping up a brown paper package with rack of clothing in background.

tongpatong / Adobe Stock

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Proponents of loosening regulations on home-based businesses say they are often hampered by outdated zoning codes, stifling small business development and entrepreneurship.

Saturday, July 20, 2024 in 70 and 73

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Blue and white Seattle Link light rail train exiting concrete Downtown Bellevue Tunnel in Bellevue, WA.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?

Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

April 7, 2025 - Todd Litman

Two people on bikes in red painted bike lane with bus in traffic lane next to them.

Understanding Road Diets

An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.

April 17 - Momentum Magazine

Aerial view of large warehouses across from development of suburban single-family homes in Jurupa, California with desert mountains in background.

New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution

A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.

April 17 - Black Voice News

Purple Phoenix light rail train connected to overhead wires at sunset.

Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension

The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.

April 17 - Arizona Republic