City of Topeka Services

Home occupation is defined as “an accessory use of a dwelling unit for gainful employment.”

Home occupations are permitted provided that they do not detract from the residential character of a neighborhood and will not cause excessive traffic, nuisance or hazards to safety. 

Home occupations, provided the same does not detract from the residential character of a neighborhood and will not cause excessive traffic, nuisance or hazards to safety; provided further that each home occupation shall comply with the following standards and permit requirements:

1. The use or activity shall be carried on by a resident of the dwelling.
2. Not more than one (1) employee not a resident of the dwelling is permitted.
3. The exterior of the dwelling shall not be changed or modified in any way, nor shall any exterior signs be erected that will indicate any accessory use of the property nor adversely affect the residential character of the neighborhood.
4. The sale of any commodity, goods or products on the premises is prohibited.
5. All equipment, materials and work in progress shall be confined to the principal dwelling exclusive of an attached garage.
6. The projection of any obnoxious sound, odor, smoke, vibration, light or dust is prohibited.
7. The home occupation shall not occupy more than twenty-five (25%) percent of the total floor area (including a basement) of the dwelling, exclusive of an attached garage.
8. The home occupation shall not be available or open to the public except during the hours between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm.
9. The home occupation shall not create a need for off-street parking, pedestrian and vehicular traffic, sanitary sewer and storm sewer usage, public water usage as well as other municipal services in excess of the normal and usual levels for other residential dwellings.
10. Only one (1) accessory use or activity shall be carried on in a dwelling during the period authorized by a home occupation permit.

• Owners submit an application to the Planning Division.
• The Zoning Inspector will contact the owner to schedule an inspection to ensure that all conditions and requirements are met.
• The Planning Division will notify the owner of status of application.
• Home owners will submit payment for permit.
• The Home Occupation Permit is issued and is required to be on display within the interior of the dwelling and at the location of the proposed activity.

There will be a $50.00 permit fee to be paid at the time the permit is issued.

• Home occupation permits may be issued to a tenant or occupant of a dwelling who is to be engaged in the accessory use or activity, provided the owners of the property have endorsed and/or certified the application.
• Home occupation permits are not transferable or assignable.
• Discontinuance or abandonment of the home occupation for 60 days or more will render the permit void
• The Planning Director shall have the right to inspect the premises of a Home Occupation Permit at any reasonable time.
• Home occupation permits can be deemed invalid for non-compliance.
• Revocation of any Home Occupation Permit require a one year waiting period for a new permit.