Running a home business

If you're thinking of setting up a small business from home, check that your business activity meets the District Plan rules for your area.

The District Plan defines home businesses, or 'home occupations', as an occupation, craft, profession or service for direct or indirect commercial gain that's carried out on a regular basis in a home or building that is also used for residential purposes.

This does not include:

  • restaurants
  • service stations
  • the repair, painting, panel beating or wrecking of motor vehicles
  • crematoria.

Conditions for running a small business from home

Businesses can be run from home so long as they don't have a detrimental effect on the residential area around you. The District Plan has rules for home businesses and there are a number of conditions you must meet, regarding:

  • number of employees
  • floor area
  • dust
  • storage of outdoor equipment or materials
  • hours of operation
  • signs
  • retailing
  • glare
  • parking and access
  • noise
  • hazardous substances.

If you can't meet one or more of the rules, you will need resource consent.

If you think you meet all the rules you can apply for a certificate of compliance, which is a legal document from Council saying that your activity meets the District Plan.

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