A home-based business is an occupation, profession, or trade that operates in or from the home of a resident. Examples of home-based businesses include home offices, music lessons, art studios, home crafts, and home-based food production.

See the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development webpage for about what types of businesses are permitted, as well as information about the application process.

Read more:

• Summary of Adopted Home-Based Business Provisions (fairfaxcounty.gov)
• Home-based business FAQs: includes information about the types of businesses that can be operated from a home, the limitations associated with those businesses, and the process(es) necessary to establish a home-based business.

Connect:

• Call the Zoning Permits Section at 703-222-1082 or via email

• Generally, home-based businesses are treated as any other business, and must comply with all business requirements, including obtaining a business license (“BPOL”), paying taxes, including business tangible/personal property taxes, and obtaining professional certifications. See the Business Start Up Guide and/or the links on the left of this page for more detail.
• If your business operates from your home, meaning that you perform your billing, marketing, scheduling, or other tasks there, regardless of where you deliver your service, you likely need a Home-based business Permit.

Read more:  IRS Publication587:  Business Use of Your Home (Including Use by Daycare Providers)

• Typically, businesses cannot be registered to a PO Box. Learn more by connecting with the Zoning Permits Section of the Department of Planning and Development and the Virginia State Corporation Commission. 
• Teleworking for your employer does not require a Home-based Business Permit.
• All business resources are available to home-based businesses. Search the Fairfax CORE Resource Navigator to find support.

• Home-based Food Production 

  The Commonwealth of Virginia regulates food establishments, including private homes, that manufacture, process, pack or hold food for sale. This is often referred to as “cottage” food production. Read more about Virginia’s Home and Commercial Kitchen-Based regulations and contact the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (“VDACS”) to learn more.

  In addition to approval by VDACS, home-based food producers must obtain a home-based business administrative permit issued by the Department of Planning and Development or a special permit approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals.

  Only certain foods may be prepared in a home, as approved by the Health Department. As part of the home-based business permit, applicants must complete and attach the  Fairfax County Home-Based Business Production Supplemental Form.  The supplemental form must be filed with the Health Department annually.

  Short-term Lodging (STL) Such as Airbnb, FlipKey, or VRBO

  Short-term lodging, such as Airbnb, FlipKey, or VRBO, does not require a Home-Based Business Permit, but does require the following:

  • Zoning permit
  • Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)

   Home Day Care

   Home Day Care does not require a Home-Based Business Permit, but there are several requirements and regulations, depending on the number of people for whom care is provided, and the type of home. See this helpful information:

  • Zoning regulations
  • Accessory Use Information for Home Day Care
  • Office for Children application information
  • Virginia Form for Home Day Care
  • Family childcare business classes

   Keeping of Animals

   Requirements for caring for animals are varied, based upon how the business operates.

  Generally, kennels are not permissible on a residential lot. Providing care (feeding, watering, sheltering) for up to four (4) animals for a fee, may be permissible as an accessory use. This would not require a Home-based Business Permit.

  If you establish a business that provides care for animals in their home, your business model would qualify as a home-office (see above) and would require a Home-based Business Permit. An exception is for providers of care through an organized business such as Rover. Employees of a registered business are not required to obtain a home-based business permit but are required to pay taxes, and may need a business license, depending on employment terms.

  • Zoning information
  • Accessory Use Information for the Keeping of Animals

  Limited Riding or Boarding Stable

  A Home-based Business Permit is not required; however, the operation must qualify as an accessory use. See below for details:

  • Zoning information
  • Accessory Use Information for Limited Riding or Boarding Stable

There are various factors that determine the answer to this question, and every business is different, Some things to consider:

• Do you charge for your service or product?
• What income is derived from this service?
• How frequently do you engage in the activity?
• Do you advertise your services?
• Do you consider it a business?

You may want to connect with a business counselor to know whether your activities meet the requirements for establishing a business, and to understand what is required.

Read more:

• Earning side income: Is it a hobby or a business? irs.gov

Watch:

• Small Business Tax Workshop (irsvideos.gov)

Connect:

• • Find a business counselor here.