Home Occupation Application

Home occupations provide convenient business opportunities, while maintaining the residential character of the neighborhood. City zoning regulations allow a small-scale business to be operated out a of a home. These businesses are regulated under Chapter 37 of the Community Development Code. 

To operate a home business, you must meet the following standards:

Obtain a West Linn Business License 

Anyone conducting business within the City of West Linn must obtain a business license unless specifically exempted by state law (Real Estate Agents, Insurance Agents). This requirement includes working out of your home.

The Business Owner Must Live on the Property

Home-based businesses must be operated by residents of the home. If the applicant is not the property owner, the owner's signature is required on the application. A home occupation permit is non-transferable to another person or property and will expire when the permit holder discontinues the home occupation.

The Business Must Be Secondary to Your Home

Your home occupation should be a small-scale business that is incidental and accessory to the primary residential use of your property.

All Business Activities Must Be Indoors

Work must take place inside your home or a fully enclosed accessory structure that meets building codes. No outdoor storage, displays, or operations are allowe

Maintain the Residential Character

Your home should not have any outward appearance of the business activity, except for a permitted sign under Chapter 52 CDC.

Avoid Disruptive Noise or Emissions

Your business should not produce noise, odor, smoke, fumes, vibration, heat, glare, or electrical interference that is noticeable outside your property.

Limit Non-Resident Employees

You may have up to three employees who do not live in your home working on-site at any time

Follow Vehicle and Traffic Restrictions

• No business-related vehicle idling.
• Loading and unloading must take place during designated hours:
  • Monday–Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Saturday–Sunday & Federal Holidays: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Limit total vehicle trips to:
  • 8 per day for standard businesses.
  • 12 per day for instruction-based businesses (e.g., tutoring, music lessons).
• Only one commercial vehicle (up to three-quarter-ton gross vehicle weight) may be parked outside.

Short term Rentals

Homeowners operating a short-term rental as a home occupation are regulated as home occupation businesses and must comply with the following requirements:

• Short term rentals are 30 days or less.
• The owner must reside in the primary structure on the property.
• Onsite parking must be provided.
• The short-term rental must be a secondary use, with the primary use remaining as a residence.
• Renting out a home or apartment as a short-term rental is not permitted if the owner does not live in the primary structure.

Businesses Not Allowed in Residential Zones

Business activities that are not suitable for residential areas and are prohibited include selling, reselling, repairing, or restoring automobiles, trucks, boats, trailers, or other motorized vehicles on-site.

Applying for a Home Occupation Permit

You can securely register your home-based business online and pay via credit card, check, or cash. The business license form and home occupation form have been combined to simplify the process. You are no longer required to fill out two separate forms.

Online Business License Applications and Renewals

1. Submit an Application
   • If you rent your home, your landlord must also sign the application.
   • Pay the required application fee.
2. Obtain a Permit
   • You must receive approval for your home occupation when applying for a business license.
   • Keep a copy of your permit on-site.
   • Permits are non-transferable and expire if you stop operating the business.
3. Approval Process
   • The Planning Director will review your home occupation application and determine if your business meets all requirements.
   • If needed, you can appeal a decision to the City Council.
4. Maintain Compliance
   • Your business must follow all approved conditions.
   • The city may revoke your home occupation permit if your business violates regulations.