Can I run a business from my home in Sterling Heights?

Yes, within tight limits. A home occupation is a permitted accessory use in the one family districts, R-2, and mobile home parks (Section 3.03.D; Section 4.03.D; Section 5.01.C), provided: only permanent residents of the dwelling work in it; it stays wholly inside the house, not in the garage or a shed; no equipment or alterations uncommon in a home; no more than 20 percent of the home's floor area; no sign of any kind; and no extra traffic or parking demand (Section 3.03.D.1-6).

Giving lessons in a craft or fine art inside your home counts as a home occupation (Section 31.01). Minor repair of your own household vehicles is a separate allowed accessory use, but bumping, painting, and work on other people's vehicles are prohibited (Section 3.03.F).

The multiple family articles do not list home occupations, so a business run from an apartment is not clearly authorized; check with the Office of Planning at 586-446-2360. Some businesses also need a city business registration under the City Code.