The City of Cheney recognizes the need of some citizens to use their place of residence for business activities, especially today with the ease of telecommuting.

Home Occupations

Any type of business activity occurring in a residence is referred to as a Home Occupation.

While Home Occupations are permitted in any residential zone, the City understands that the need to protect the residential character of residential areas is a vital concern to the community. In some instances the City will allow limited business activity in a residence, but not to the point where the business is more prominent than the residence.

Types of Businesses Not Allowed in Residential Zones

• Animal hospitals
• Dancing studios, exercise studios
• Mortuaries
• Private clubs
• Restaurants
• Stables or kennels
• Automobile body shops or repair shops
• Businesses involving explosives or other hazardous materials
• Taverns
• Adult entertainment establishments
• Adult book stores
• Massage parlors, except licensed massage therapists.

Special Requirements for Home Occupations

• Business activities are not allowed to create any vibration, noise, dust, smoke, odor, or interferences with television or radio reception.
• No more than 2 customer vehicles are allowed at any time.
• No more than eight customers and deliveries are allowed to the site each day.
• No loading docks or other commercial type construction is allowed.
• No outward sign of a business shall be allowed except for one sign as described below.
• Each residence is allowed one sign, unlighted and attached to the building. The sign shall not exceed 1 square foot in size.
• All employees must live at the residence.
• No outside storage of material is allowed.
• Hours of operation are limited to 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• No windows displays are allowed.
• The business shall not occupy more than 15% of the total floor area of all structures on the site.
• For additional information on Home Occupations, please see Chapter 21.59 of the Cheney Municipal Code.