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Purpose
The purpose of the home based business provisions in the Olympia Municipal Code (OMC 18.04.060.L) is to allow for the use of a residential structure for a non-residential use which is clearly an accessory use to the residential use and does not change the residential character of the neighborhood. Home occupations are allowed in any district in which residential uses are permitted.
Background
During the process for updating the City of Olympia Comprehensive Plan in 2025, comments were received that voiced concern about the use of homes for business purposes that appeared to go beyond what would generally be allowed for a home based business. The Olympia City Council directed staff to update the regulations for home based business in 2026.
The existing regulations have not been updated for quite some time. For example, the regulations refer to a permit for a home based business. Permits have not been required since approximately 2008. However, a business license is still required along with a home based business addendum (affidavit). The affidavit requires the business owner to attest to the fact that they meet all the regulations for home based businesses in the Olympia Municipal Code.
Summary of Proposed Amendments
The proposed amendments contain general updates such as changes to the department name, grammar, and changing the name of "home occupations" to "home based businesses". Other changes address a variety of subjects such as "remote work", mobile mechanics and detailers, removing references to permits, and the removal of redundant sections.
The annotated version of the draft amendments has comments included that explain the changes. Reviewing the annotated version is recommended. A version of the amendments without the comments is also available.
The Land Use and Environment Committee met on September 18, 2026, and decided to send the proposed amendments back to the Planning Commission for further review. A date for Planning Commission review of the amendments has not been scheduled yet. Staff will update this webpage with the date for Planning Commission review soon.
Purpose
The purpose of the home based business provisions in the Olympia Municipal Code (OMC 18.04.060.L) is to allow for the use of a residential structure for a non-residential use which is clearly an accessory use to the residential use and does not change the residential character of the neighborhood. Home occupations are allowed in any district in which residential uses are permitted.
Background
During the process for updating the City of Olympia Comprehensive Plan in 2025, comments were received that voiced concern about the use of homes for business purposes that appeared to go beyond what would generally be allowed for a home based business. The Olympia City Council directed staff to update the regulations for home based business in 2026.
The existing regulations have not been updated for quite some time. For example, the regulations refer to a permit for a home based business. Permits have not been required since approximately 2008. However, a business license is still required along with a home based business addendum (affidavit). The affidavit requires the business owner to attest to the fact that they meet all the regulations for home based businesses in the Olympia Municipal Code.
Summary of Proposed Amendments
The proposed amendments contain general updates such as changes to the department name, grammar, and changing the name of "home occupations" to "home based businesses". Other changes address a variety of subjects such as "remote work", mobile mechanics and detailers, removing references to permits, and the removal of redundant sections.
The annotated version of the draft amendments has comments included that explain the changes. Reviewing the annotated version is recommended. A version of the amendments without the comments is also available.
The Land Use and Environment Committee met on September 18, 2026, and decided to send the proposed amendments back to the Planning Commission for further review. A date for Planning Commission review of the amendments has not been scheduled yet. Staff will update this webpage with the date for Planning Commission review soon.
