Businesses operated out of private residences are allowed in Strathroy-Caradoc. They require no licences or permits from the municipality. But they are regulated through Section 4.13 (Home Occupations) of the municipal Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw. These regulations are summarized as follows:
- Home businesses are allowed in all residential zones and in the A1 and A2 agricultural zones.
- The home business must be clearly incidental and secondary to the main residential use of the lot and must not change the residential character of the dwelling.
- A home business must be carried out by a resident of the dwelling and must not employ more than one person who does not live in the dwelling to which the home business is accessory.
- The home business must be located entirely within the dwelling or an attached or detached garage, and is not permitted within any accessory building or structure other than a detached garage. No more than 25% of the dwelling unit or 30 m², whichever is lesser, may be devoted to a home business.
- No home business is allowed to create or become a public nuisance, particularly with regard to noise, traffic, parking, lighting, or night-time operation. Nor is any open storage permitted in connection with the business.
- There must be no product on display and no sign is be permitted other than one non-illuminated sign of 0.5 m² in size, to advertise the home business to the public. Home businesses are limited to such occupations as insurance agents, sales agents, accountants, telephone sales, computer graphics, seamstress / tailor, artist, music teacher, crafts, hobbies, small goods repair, tradesmen, hairdresser / barber, and caterer / baker. Also included can be a day care that for remuneration provides temporary care to no more than five children or no more than three adults.
- The following uses are prohibited as home businesses: boarding or rooming House; dry cleaning establishment; public garage; any industrial use; long term care facility; machine shop; restaurant; retail store; salvage yard; taxi service; or use of a swimming pool in a Settlement.
