Can I run a home business in Bellaire?
Short answer: Bellaire permits a home occupation in any residential dwelling unit or accessory structure, as long as it follows Sec. 24-517. You may not display or sell stock in trade on the premises, may not use more than one vehicle in the business, and may not advertise with any sign, display or written advertisement of the occupation or its telephone number, except as the section lists. Word of mouth is allowed.
Allowed if it follows the rules
The code says: "A home occupation shall be permitted in any residential dwelling unit or accessory structure provided that the home or structure complies with the terms and provisions of this chapter." A home occupation is prohibited when it causes certain effects on the neighborhood that the section lists, so read the full section before you start.
Rule: City Code Sec. 24-517.
Hard limits
Among the limits, the section says "No stock in trade shall be displayed or sold on the premises" and "No more than one (1) vehicle shall be used in the conduct of the home occupation."
Rule: City Code Sec. 24-517.
Advertising
The section allows "Word of mouth by telephone or face to face" and lists other specific ways to advertise. It prohibits "Any sign, display or written advertisement of the occupation or the telephone number of the occupation except as specifically listed" in the section.
Rule: City Code Sec. 24-517.
What happens if you don't
Breaking the home-occupation zoning rules in Sec. 24-517 can bring a fine of up to $2,000, and each day counts as a new offense (Sec. 1-10). We did not find a separate fine amount in Sec. 24-517, so the general penalty applies. The legal basis for the $2,000 cap is Texas Local Government Code Sec. 54.001 (zoning).
Who to call
Development Services Department.
Sources
- City of Bellaire Code of Ordinances, Sec. 24-517 (home occupations), Sec. 1-10. library.municode.com/tx/bellaire
En español
¿Puedo tener un negocio en casa en Bellaire? Sí, el código permite una ocupación en el hogar en cualquier vivienda residencial o estructura accesoria, siempre que cumpla la Sec. 24-517. No puede exhibir ni vender mercancía en el lugar, no puede usar más de un vehículo para el negocio y no puede anunciarse con ningún letrero, exhibición o anuncio escrito de la ocupación ni de su número de teléfono, salvo lo que la sección permite expresamente. El boca a boca, por teléfono o en persona, sí está permitido. Romper estas reglas puede costar una multa de hasta $2,000, y cada día cuenta como una infracción nueva (Sec. 1-10). Para preguntas, comuníquese con el Departamento de Servicios de Desarrollo.