Appendix 530. Home occupations—[Less than one and one-half acre tracts].

It is the purpose of this section to:

(a)

Recognize the home as a viable location for certain types of occupations;

(b)

To ensure the compatibility of home occupations with the principal residential uses in order to protect the integrity and character of neighborhoods;

(c)

Minimize noise, traffic nuisances, hazardous material usage, and other possible impact to residential areas;

(d)

Prohibit certain types of businesses that would ordinarily be a use (permitted or conditional) in a commercial or industrial zoning district.

Home occupations on less than one and one-half (1½) acre tracts shall be permitted as an accessory use to a residential dwelling in any FA, LFA and CFA zoning district.

1.

The home occupation is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling for residential purposes.

2.

The home occupation does not change the character of the residential dwelling when conducted within the dwelling.

3.

The home occupation is conducted entirely within a residential dwelling and/or a fully enclosed structure or detached unenclosed structure for storage of products (such as pine straw, plants, etc.) and machinery on the same property.

4.

The owner/operator of the home occupation must own the property and/or building in which the home occupation is operated. An occupant not owning the property or building in which they operate a home occupation must have notarized permission from the home owner/property owner.

5.

No more than thirty-five (35) percent of the floor space of the residential dwelling shall be used for the home occupation and no more than one thousand five hundred (1,500) square feet of a detached structure may be used for a permitted home occupation. The home occupation can be located in either the home or a detached structure or both.

6.

No more than three (3) home occupation per residence will be permitted and no more than two (2) non-residents per business may be employed in the home or detached structure. Does not apply to off site employees.

7.

No more than three (3) service vehicles per residence will be permitted.

8.

Outside storage of equipment, supplies, or over-stock must be screened with no less than six (6) feet high and no more than an eight (8) feet high privacy fence and or planted or existing suitable vegetation. No storage may exceed the height of the screening. No storage shall be forward of the principle residence.

9.

All parking and maneuvering areas required to support the home occupation shall be located on site to the residence.

10.

No home occupation shall create excessive noise, dust, vibrations, smells, smoke, glare, electrical interference, fire hazard or nuisance to any greater or more frequent extent than that usually experienced in the district on residentially used zoning lots where no home occupation exists.

11.

One (1) permanent free-standing home occupation sign per road frontage, provided it is non-illuminated and no larger than sixteen (16) square feet in area and unless otherwise prohibited by deed restrictions; and meets all other requirements of Article X.

12.

Any home occupation lawfully permitted prior to the adoption of this ordinance will be considered "legal non-confirming". Any legal non-conforming home occupation that ceases to exist for a period of twelve (12) months after the business license expires shall lose its non-conforming status.

13.

For applicants information only:

A.

Please check with the Horry County Code Enforcement Department for applicable Building Code requirements before completing the permitting process.

B.

Home occupations are hereby precluded from operating in subdivisions where deed restrictions or covenants may prohibit such uses. Please check with your appropriate home owners/property owners association.

14.

Prohibited uses in FA, LFA, CFA zones less than one and one-half (1½) acres:

Large Commercial Heavy Equipment Operations
Ambulance Service
Taxi Service
Limousine Service
Trucking Companies (Exceptions: Companies with no more than three (3) service vehicles parked in the side or rear yard and not forward of the house and screened with no less than an eight (8) feet high privacy fence or natural vegetation)
Retail Sales (On-site)
Trade Shop Uses
Auto/Body Repair Services (On-site)
Kennels
Welding Service
Medical, Dental, Chiropractic or Veterinary Offices/Clinics
Health Salons, Gyms, Dance Studios, Aerobic Exercise Studios
Restaurants or Taverns
Firearms (those occupations that entail the manufacturing, sale, lease or rental of firearms/and or ammunition)
Escort Services
Adult Oriented Businesses (examples: private modeling, uncertified massage services)
Drug/Alcohol Counseling Services
Tattoo & Body Piercing
Swimming Pool Companies.

(Ord. No. 72-05, § 1, 5-17-05)