Apply for a Home Occupation Class B License

1. Make sure you're eligible for a license

No more than 2 adult customers, clients, students, or patients shall be on the premises at any one time.

You must have a valid driver's license to apply. You'll also need to make sure you don't owe money to the City. We're unable to issue you a business license if you don't meet these requirements.

UNSURE IF YOU OWE?

• Check if you owe court fees, property taxes or parking tickets. Call the Treasurer's Office at 616-456-3020
• Check if you owe taxes to the City. Call the Income Tax Department at 616-456-3415

PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS

You’ll need to make sure that your property is zoned properly. You can call the Planning Department at 616-456-4100. We recommend that you make sure you have this before applying for your license to avoid long delays

Here's a list of other property requirements:

• The dwelling must be the principal residence of the owner-operator
• The owner-operator shall be in residence when renting.
• City Code does not supersede Condominium Association rules and regulations. Condominium Associations must approve of the home occupation business (if applicable)
• Applicant must be sole owner, joint tenant, or joint tenant by the entire-ties of the real estate

2. Gather your information

Here's a look at what you'll need to complete your application:

• A floor plan of the entire home with business space clearly indicated
• A letter of approval from authorized Condominium Association (if applicable)

You'll need the following information for ALL owners, partners, or corporate officers:

• Name
• Address
• Last 4 digits of Social Security number
• Driver's license or State ID number
• Date of birth
• E-mail address

Have questions? Give us a call at the number listed in the Contact Us section of this page. There are many things that you need to do to apply for the license. We also have resources to help you prepare your application:

• Home Occupation Class B License Checklist(PDF, 185KB)
• Home Occupation License Ordinance
• Zoning Code

3. Prepare payment

There is a $587 application fee for new licenses. You can renew your first issuance twice. There is a $212 application fee for renewals.

All application fees are non-refundable. Here's a look at our accepted payment methods:

MAILED PAYMENTS

• Check
• Money order

IN PERSON PAYMENTS

• Cash
• Check
• Money order
• Credit or debit cards (Visa, Discover, or MasterCard)

4. Download the application

Fill out the PDF application and return it to us by mail or in person.

Download Application in English

5. Mail or drop off your completed application

Make sure you have the appropriate payment ready. Refer to step 3 for accepted payment methods.

6. Prepare for your inspections

The Fire Department will contact you to schedule an inspection.

7. We'll review your application

It takes us 5-10 business days to process applications. Keep in mind that it may take longer to process your application if we find that you need to make changes. We'll call or email you to let you know your license is ready. You can either pick it up from the office or we'll mail it to you.

The license must be displayed openly on the property where all customers can see.

8. Renew your license

All licenses are good for one year from when they are issued. Make sure to note your expiration date so you renew your license on time next year.

You can renew your Home Occupation License for two years after your first issuance. Then you will need to re-apply and pay the first-issuance fee.

1. Make sure we're open

Our office hours are 8 AM - 5 PM, Monday through Friday. We are out of the office on public holidays.

2. Call us for instructions

You can find our number in the Contact Us section of this page. We'll get you all the information you need to apply for your business license.

1. Make sure you're eligible for a license

No more than 2 adult customers, clients, students, or patients shall be on the premises at any one time.

You must have a valid driver's license to apply. You'll also need to make sure you don't owe money to the City. We're unable to issue you a business license if you don't meet these requirements.

UNSURE IF YOU OWE?

• Check if you owe court fees, property taxes or parking tickets. Call the Treasurer's Office at 616-456-3020
• Check if you owe taxes to the City. Call the Income Tax Department at 616-456-3415

PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS

You’ll need to make sure that your property is zoned properly. You can call the Planning Department at 616-456-4100. We recommend that you make sure you have this before applying for your license to avoid long delays

Here's a list of other property requirements:

• The dwelling must be the principal residence of the owner-operator
• The owner-operator shall be in residence when renting.
• City Code does not supersede Condominium Association rules and regulations. Condominium Associations must approve of the home occupation business (if applicable)
• Applicant must be sole owner, joint tenant, or joint tenant by the entire-ties of the real estate

2. Gather your information

Here's a look at what you'll need to complete your application:

• A floor plan of the entire home with business space clearly indicated
• A letter of approval from authorized Condominium Association (if applicable)

You'll need the following information for ALL owners, partners, or corporate officers:

• Name
• Address
• Last 4 digits of Social Security number
• Driver's license or State ID number
• Date of birth
• E-mail address

Have questions? Give us a call at the number listed in the Contact Us section of this page. There are many things that you need to do to apply for the license. We also have resources to help you prepare your application:

• Home Occupation Class B License Checklist(PDF, 185KB)
• Home Occupation License Ordinance
• Zoning Code

3. Prepare payment

There is a $587 application fee for new licenses. You can renew your first issuance twice. There is a $212 application fee for renewals.

All application fees are non-refundable. Here's a look at our accepted payment methods:

IN PERSON PAYMENTS

• Cash
• Check
• Money order
• Credit or debit cards (Visa, Discover, or MasterCard)

4. Visit our office to apply

Visit us on the 2nd floor of City Hall. Our address is in the Contact Us section of this page. We'll get you an application and answer all of your questions about the process. Make sure you have your payment ready. You can see our accepted payment methods in step 3 above.

5. Prepare for your inspections

The Fire Department will contact you to schedule an inspection.

6. We'll review your application

It takes us 5-10 business days to process applications. Keep in mind that it may take longer to process your application if we find that you need to make changes. We'll call or email you to let you know your license is ready. You can either pick it up from the office or we'll mail it to you.

The license must be displayed openly on the property where all customers can see.

7. Renew your license

All licenses are good for one year from when they are issued. Make sure to note your expiration date so you renew your license on time next year.

You can renew your Home Occupation License for two years after your first issuance. Then you will need to re-apply and pay the first-issuance fee.