The Town of Sweden building department is charged with enforcing the Town’s Zoning Code which includes the regulation of structures and types of activities that occur in residential, multi-family residential, commercial, and industrial zones. Recently, the department has received a number of concerns regarding businesses operating in residential neighborhoods.
The Town of Sweden does permit “Home Occupations” in residential neighborhoods. However, Home Occupations are limited in scope, purposely, to make sure that residential neighborhoods are not negatively impacted by commercial activity. Home Occupation includes activities like art and photography studios and medical, legal, real estate, engineer, and other professional offices. Home Occupations specifically exclude dog kennels, auto repair shops, band instruction, mechanical repair shops, convalescent homes, and mortuaries.
In addition, a Home Occupation may not employ more than one person outside of the family residing in the dwelling; no more than 25% of the floor area of the home can be used for the home occupation (excluding bed and breakfasts); and there can be no outdoor storage or display of materials or equipment. The appearance of the dwelling cannot be altered and no more than two commercial vehicles may be used at the home. A small sign is allowed with a permit.
The Town requires an operating permit for a Home Occupation and it is automatically renewed annually unless a violation has been filed. The Building Department believes that many homeowners running a small business are unaware that a permit is required. Additionally, the Town believes that many homeowners may not understand that occupations conducting business beyond the home occupation regulations are not permitted in residentially zoned areas, regardless of whether the property is in a subdivision or out in a “country setting.”
The Town is launching an educational effort to help all property owners comply with the zoning code. For more information about Home Occupations or the siting of commercial operations in properly zoned areas, call the Sweden Building Department at 637-8684.
Provided information
