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A home occupation is a business, profession or other economic activity conducted full- or part-time in the principal residence of the person conducting the business. This permit is required for operating a business from your home.
How to apply?
If your occupation type is a businessperson; salesperson; independent consultant; journalist; writer; typing, word processing, or computing programming services; telemarketing services.
For all other HOP types, you must obtain a Home Occupation Permit (HOP) before you obtain your business license.
Review these steps BEFORE you submit a Home Occupation Permit (HOP) application:
Applicant must submit an online HOP application and upload the required supporting documentation. An HOP application submitted by anyone other than the named applicant, for whom the premises is their primary residence, will not be accepted.
If applicant is a tenant of the residence, please upload proof of residency. Acceptable documents include:
If the applicant is presently operating a business in the residence, please upload a copy of all existing HOPs.
If the applicant classifies themselves as a licensed professional, please upload a copy of the license to practice in the District of Columbia. Examples of professions requiring professional licensure include, but are not limited to:
If the proposed business is a Child Development Home (CDH) as defined by 11 DCMR B-100, please upload the required written and graphic fire evacuation plans and a copy of the applicant’s driver’s license.
The review process typically takes 24 hours for non-childcare applications and 72 hours to schedule an inspection for childcare applications
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