A home occupation is a commercial use that is accessory to a residential use. A home occupation must comply with the requirements of Section 25-2-900 of the Austin City Code.

Advertising a home occupation by a sign on the premises is prohibited, except as provided under Section 25-10-156 (Home Occupation Signs).  Advertising the street address of a home occupation through signs, billboards, television, radio, or newspapers is prohibited.

The following are prohibited as home occupations:

• animal hospitals, animal breeding;
• clinics, hospitals;
• hospital services;
• contractors yards;
• dance studios;
• scrap and salvage services;
• massage parlors other than those employing massage therapists licensed by the state;
• restaurants;
• cocktail lounges;
• rental outlets;
• equipment sales;
• adult oriented businesses;
• recycling centers;
• drop-off recycling collection facilities;
• an activity requiring an H-occupancy under Section 25-12, Article 1 (Uniform Building Code);
• automotive repair services; and
• businesses involving the repair of any type of internal combustion engine, including equipment repair services.

For information about Residential Tours, please see Section 25-2-901 of the City Code. For information about Garage Sales, please see Section 25-2-902 of the City Code

For more information contact the Development Assistance Center, 974-6370.