Home Business Rules in New Orleans, LA (2026)

In New Orleans, LA, home-based businesses are permitted subject to specific rules designed to preserve residential character while allowing residents to run legitimate businesses from their homes. A home occupation permit is required before operating. The local building department or local planning department handles home occupation applications and enforcement. Regulations generally prohibit on-site employees, customer visits, and any external evidence of business activity. Below you will find the current permit requirements, restrictions, prohibited business types, and cottage food law provisions for New Orleans.

Permit Requirements

Permit Required: a home occupation permit. Fee: varies. Apply through the local building department. Phone: (504) 658-7200. Permits typically must be renewed annually. Operating without a required home occupation permit can result in fines and a requirement to cease business activity immediately.

Operating Restrictions

No specific restrictions listed beyond standard building code requirements for New Orleans home-based businesses.

• •Business must be incidental to primary residential use
• •No customer or client visits to the premises in most residential zones
• •No exterior signage or visible evidence of business activity
• •No non-resident employees on premises
• •No storage of business inventory, equipment, or vehicles visible from street
• •Business use limited to 25% of dwelling gross floor area
• •No alterations that change the residential character of the structure

Cottage Food Law

Frequently Asked Questions