Every city or community has varying degrees of zoning.  This imposes limitations of the use of property and the location within that community is considered.  Zoning regulations are largely designed to protect the surrounding property owners from unwanted business, traffic and noise.  If you are looking for a property and planning a home based business, you should know and understand the zoning in the area you are looking in.  This information is often on the property listing but should be verified at the city or town/clerks office. Here are some things zoning considers:

*   Increased vehicular traffic, volume, noise, both moving and parked on the street.

*   Signage, even for sale signs are often limited in size.

*   The number of employess who are not related to you and working from your home.

*   The percentage of space that your home is used for business vs. living.

*   Selling items to the public, (this varies due to the Internet)

*   Storing any kind of hazardous materials on your property.

If you are planning a home based business, don't ignore zoning.  A complaining neighbor can actually end up forcing you to close down and even move.  You can also some times apply for a variance or a conditional use permit but these are not guaranteed.

 If the property has a homeowners association, review their by-laws before you sign contracts.  Associations often impose stricter regulations than the areas zoning.

Got questions?  Email me at VMLL@kw.com or go to my web site at www.HomesofFairfieldCounty.com