Home Occupations

Businesses operated out of residences within the City of Champlin do not require any special permit or license. However, there are specific regulations that have been adopted by the City to control such uses. These uses are regulated by City Code (section 13-110.5) and are a means of controlling home operated business in order to prevent them from becoming a nuisance to surrounding residents.

The regulations help to control the appearance of a residence, the signage used for a business, the storage of materials for a business, the hours of operation, and the number of clients/customers that are allowed. The following are the conditions that regulate a home occupation:

1. The use of a dwelling unit or garage for any home occupation shall be clearly incidental and subordinate to its residential use. Not more than 25 percent of the floor area of one floor of a dwelling shall be used in the conduct of the home occupation.
   
   
2. The home occupation shall be conducted entirely within a fully enclosed building. No exterior or interior alterations of the building or other visible evidence of the conduct of the home occupation shall be permitted that is not customarily found in a dwelling. However, one sign, not exceeding one square foot in area, non-illuminated, and mounted flat against the wall of the principal building shall be permitted.
   
   
3. No person other than members of the family residing on the premises shall be engaged in such occupation.
   
   
4. There shall be no exterior storage of equipment or materials used in the home occupation.
   
5. There shall be no use of utilities or community facilities beyond that normal to the use of the property for residential purposes.
   
   
6. A home occupation shall serve no more than two customers or clients at one time.
   
   
7. The hours of operation for any home occupation shall be between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
   
   
8. A home occupation shall not create pedestrian, automobile, or truck traffic significantly in excess of the normal amount in the area. No truck or similar vehicle use in conjunction with a home occupation shall be parked unhoused upon a residential lot. Such home occupations shall not involve the need for more than three parking spaces for the occupant and visitors. Adequate off-street parking facilities required to serve the home occupation shall be provided on the premises, but not such parking facility shall be established within any required front or side yard, except upon an established driveway.
   
   
9. No equipment or process shall be used in such home occupation that creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors, or electrical interference detectable to the normal senses off the lot. In the case of electrical interference, no equipment or process shall be used which creates visual or audible interference in any radio or television receiver off the premises, or causes fluctuation in line voltage off the premises.
   
   
10. No retail business other than that conducted by mail shall be permitted, except for those products that are not marked or sold in wholesale or retail outlets; examples of such products included, but are not limited to Avon, Fuller products, and Shaklee products.
    
    
11. Such occupations as architects, artists, manufacturer’s representatives, writers, clergymen, lawyers, teachers, insurance agents, dressmakers, and millinery and similar domestic crafts shall be permitted.
    
    
12. A citizen operating a home occupation grants to the City the right to inspect the premises in which the occupation is being conducted to insure compliance with the provisions of this subdivision or any conditions additionally imposed including the general health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Champlin. The City reserves the right to prohibit any home occupation if it deems necessary. If you have any questions regarding home occupation regulations, please contact the Community Development Department at 763-421-8100.