Business Topics
Zoning denied my Business Permit
Tags
Sign in to participate in this discussion.
This discussion is public.
Original Post
I live in a fairly large suburban township, and wanting to to the right thing I went down to the municipal building to apply for a home based business permit & mercantile license. Long story short, because I listed my office AND kitchen on the permit as the rooms I use for business (I make bath & body products) they denied my application because my home is not zoned for the "manufacturing of cosmetics, drugs, or textiles". They want me to pay $700 with an application for re-zoning my home. Keep in mind I do not use my home as a store, customers do not come here. I sell online on Etsy and at local farmers markets, flea markets, and craft fairs (some within the township and some not). I have a sales tax license and registered LLC with the state, an EIN, and business liability insurance.
Has anyone ever had an issue like this? I'm so stressed about this whole ridiculous ordeal...apparently you can't hand make anything, even pot holders ("textiles"?) without rezoning your home. I'd love to hear from anyone that may have had a similar problem or who is in the know about L&I type legalities. Aaaarrgh!!
Posted at 8:30 am Apr 12, 2012 EDT
Responses
<-----------------------------------
ya, sweaters are safe and easy!!! ;-)
Posted at 8:48 am Apr 12, 2012 EDT
also, ive heard when you do apply for the variance, they notify neighbors who can object to it, if they want to. if you are going to start working with stuff like that- chemicals and such in a residential neighborhood for business purposes, the residents of that neighborhood have a right to object and fight it, and can prevent you from being allowed to do it.
at least that is my understanding of the whole thing
Posted at 8:49 am Apr 12, 2012 EDT
I see, though I do not work with chemicals. I emailed the director of L&I so we'll see...
Posted at 8:57 am Apr 12, 2012 EDT
...some times, trying to do the 'right thing' opens a Big can of worms :/
different zoing can even put you in a diffent rate for things like your
electric bill (at least here in n.j.)
hope things work out for you !
Posted at 9:00 am Apr 12, 2012 EDT
yea, also p;roperty taxes are assessed differently as well.
and even though you may not actually use certain chemicals, the potential is there with that type of product. and even things that may not be classified as "chemicals" can have negative affects on on the environment, the sewers, etc. there are tons of logistics that make localities do these things
Posted at 9:04 am Apr 12, 2012 EDT
Yes. Ugh, this is ridiculous. What do I do if they simply won't give me a business permit? I have some things in mind, but any suggestions?
Posted at 9:06 am Apr 12, 2012 EDT
then, you may have to rent a commercial space that is properly zoned
Posted at 9:07 am Apr 12, 2012 EDT
I was hopeing if I can do manufacturing off site if they would approve... I wonder what proof they would need to see, if any.
Posted at 9:10 am Apr 12, 2012 EDT
I went thru a problem when I remodeled my studio which is one of the bedrooms on the third floor of my home.
To get a work permit for the remodel they told me I had to have a sprinkler system installed on all floors of my house...did not matter what the business was as long as there was a business....that was code.
I string beads together...I told them over and over. Did not matter.
I DO NOT have customers in my home...does not matter.
Obviously months passed and we found a loop hole...since the studio was less than ten percent of my home it was okay without a sprinkler system.
CRAZY
Posted at 9:10 am Apr 12, 2012 EDT
well, if you rented a space, that would be the location that gets the business permit and stuff, and would be your business location. just like one having a B&M, or a warehouse, etc
Posted at 9:11 am Apr 12, 2012 EDT