Home occupation permit fees range from $0 to over $500 depending on your city, permit tier, and business type. Use this estimator to get a realistic ballpark range.
Note: Fees are estimates based on publicly available municipal fee schedules. Always verify the exact fee with your local planning department before filing.
| City | Minor Permit | Major Permit | CUP/Variance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | $0 (registration) | $89–$120 | $400–$900+ |
| San Francisco, CA | $97 | $97–$180 | $500+ |
| Austin, TX | $50–$75 | $75–$200 | $200–$400 |
| Houston, TX | No traditional zoning — check deed restrictions | ||
| Miami, FL | $35–$75 | $95–$200 | $300+ |
| Orlando, FL | $45 | $95–$175 | $250–$500 |
| New York City, NY | $50–$100 | Not generally available | Board variance |
| Philadelphia, PA | $100 | $100–$200 | $300+ |
| Atlanta, GA | $75 | $75–$175 | $250–$400 |
| Charlotte, NC | $50 | $100–$200 | $300+ |
| Columbus, OH | $25–$50 | $75–$150 | $200–$400 |
| Chicago, IL | $50–$100 | $125–$250 | $350+ |
| Phoenix, AZ | $50 | $100–$200 | $250–$500 |
| Denver, CO | $25–$50 | $75–$150 | $200–$400 |
| Seattle, WA | $93 | $93–$200 | $500+ |
| Portland, OR | $100 | $100–$250 | $350+ |
Houston is the largest U.S. city without traditional zoning. Instead of a zoning code, Houston relies on private deed restrictions to regulate land use. Many Houston neighborhoods have deed restrictions that prohibit home businesses with client visits — but enforcement is done by neighborhood associations, not the city. If you run a home business in Houston, check your property's deed restrictions through Harris County Appraisal District records.