Can I run a business from my home in Royal Oak?

Yes, as a home occupation, which is allowed by right in residential zones, but the conditions are strict (§ 770-25):

• Residents only. Only people who live in the dwelling may be engaged or employed. No outside employees at all
• The business must occupy no more than 10% of the dwelling's floor area
• It must be conducted wholly within the dwelling, never in an accessory building, attached or detached
• No exterior signage
• No direct sales of products on the premises
• No traffic beyond normal domestic levels, no visible storage, no nuisance, and no added parking

A quiet office, consulting practice, or online business still must meet every listed condition, including no occupation-related interior/exterior alterations and only ordinary household/leisure equipment (§ 770-25G-H). A business with nonresident employees, customer traffic beyond normal domestic trips, or on-site direct product sales does not, and would need a commercially zoned location.

If your plans push against any condition, talk to the Planning Division at 248-246-3280 first.