I live in a residential district, can I operate a business from my home?

No one purchases a house in a residential neighborhood for a business to spring up next door, so businesses are not allowed in our residential districts. There is an exception called a Home Occupation. A Home Occupation allows a small scale business to be located in a residence. The list of allowable Home Occupations can be found in the Plaistow Zoning Ordinances, Article X. The idea is to allow a home business to operate from a residence without changing the residential character of the neighborhood or infringing on the rights or property values of the neighbors. There are strict criteria that must be met and maintained in order for someone to be granted a Home Occupation. These permits must be renewd every three (3) years, which is a double-check that the business doesn't grow into something better suited for our commercial districts.