New Jersey Bill Would Ease Permitting for Home-Based Businesses

The proposed law would eliminate the need for home-based business owners to undergo a review by their local zoning boards to encourage small entrepreneurship.

1 minute read

July 23, 2024, 7:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Woman taping up a brown paper package with rack of clothing in background.

tongpatong / Adobe Stock

A bill passed by the New Jersey General Assembly would streamline regulations for home-based businesses to allow entrepreneurs to more easily operate out of their homes.

As Neill Borowski explains in 70 and 73, “The legislation calls for new approaches to zoning to support the operations and growth of small businesses” and would exempt businesses from having to appear before their local zoning boards, but opponents including the New Jersey State League of Municipalities say the bill would allow illegal businesses to operate.

“The bill also limits the activities of the home-based businesses, including the volume of business visitors to the residence. Signs, lighting and parking are prohibited. The home-based businesses also could not disrupt the neighborhood with vibration, fumes or odors.”

Proponents of loosening regulations on home-based businesses say they are often hampered by outdated zoning codes, stifling small business development and entrepreneurship.

Saturday, July 20, 2024 in 70 and 73

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog