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Home Businesses

Make sure you know our local regulations about running your home business.

Home business canning jars

What are the first steps in starting a home business?

  • All home businesses must register with the City.
  • Registrations must be renewed each year.
  • Registrations must be submitted and approved by the City.
  • Registrations are not transferable between persons or places.

Taking care of your business and neighborhood

  • Businesses must not change the residential character of the neighborhood.
  • A home business must not disturb neighboring properties.
  • Handling and use of hazardous materials is restricted.
  • Client and customer parking must meet the city code.

Can I have a sign?

  • Yes, but only one sign is allowed for each home business.
  • Signs must not be larger than two square feet in area.
  • Signs must be 20 feet back from the property line.

Can I have employees?

  • Yes, but only one employee is allowed that doesn’t live inside the home.
  • All other employees must be occupants of the home.

What can I sell or service can I provide?

  • Products must be made on-site only.
  • Products produced off-site cannot be sold.

Examples of acceptable home businesses

  • Salon
  • Tax preparer
  • Massage
  • Home office
  • Handmade crafts
  • Photography
  • Daycare
  • Tailor or seamstress

Where am I allowed to store my products?

  • All materials, equipment, parts or supplies related to the business must be stored inside.
  • Food/beverage businesses may require a commercial kitchen.

For more information on what types of food can be produced at home go to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website.

See Cottage Food Law >

Helpful tips for business deliveries

  • Traffic and parking needed for deliveries must follow the city code.
  • Deliveries must be made by vehicles that typically service residential areas.

Can I have a business at my home to repair vehicles?

  • No. Vehicle repair is limited to repairs of your own vehicles that can be completed in a 24-hour period
  • Vehicle painting is not allowed in residential areas.

Can I sell my vehicles?

  • Only two vehicle or equipment sales are allowed each year.
  • Vehicles must be registered to a current resident or owner of the property.
  • Vehicles must be parked on a paved driveway surface.

Apply for a home business license

See home business licenses >

Phone and email

Pang Yang
Code Enforcement and Public Health
763-493-8070
Email Pang Yang

Si usted necesita asistencia en español, llame
763-493-8145

Yog koj tsis tau tau es yuav lub Hmoob hu
763-488-6487

Register your business name

Register with the Secretary of State

Permit to collect and remit tax

If you sell retail items that are taxable, you must get a Minnesota Sales and Use Tax permit from the Department of Revenue.

Get tax information from the Minnesota Department of Revenue >

Register your cottage food business

See Department of Agriculture cottage food producer registration >

Resources

Free business advice is available to Brooklyn Park residents.

See Starting or Expanding a business – consultation >

Helpful resource directory

Read the Minnesota Small Business Resource Guide (PDF) >