Find and Prepare Your Business Location
Ensure any new construction or renovation related to your business location complies with local laws.
Know Your Business Site
What is Zoning?
Zoning is the means by which communities regulate the use of land and buildings to protect and promote the quality of life within their boundaries. Under the UG’s Zoning Code, every City property is located in a specific zoning district and has an established legal use.
Learn more about UG’s Zoning here.
How do I ensure my location is zoned properly?
Determining the correct zoning is the first step for all new businesses. Contact the Business Licensing department at (913) 573-8780. Business Licensing will help you determine what form you will need to submit. It can take up to two weeks to approve the form once submitted.
Planning and zoning will determine that the business activity is appropriate and within the permitted uses for that district zoning.
Commercial locations in Kansas City, KS are subject to a Zoning Inspection.
Doing business in the Dotte is easy!
Get a customized checklist of steps to launch your business today.
Learn about Restrictions on Business Activities for Home-Based Businesses
What are the restrictions on home-based businesses?
If you are operating a home-based business, there are a few additional restrictions you should keep in mind.
- You can't put up signs or have displays outside your home that show you're running a business. Your ads should only have a phone number, not your address.
- Only family members who live with you can work in the home-based business.
- Don't use machines that cause problems with TV or radio signals for your neighbors.
- You can't keep big trucks (over 10,000 pounds) or other non-residential items at your home.
- You can't sell items or provide services at your home that need customers to visit regularly, except for occasional visits. Babysitting doesn't count for this rule.
- You can't store lots of products or inventory at your home, but you can keep a few samples.
Why are these restrictions in place?
The Unified Government is committed to helping residents run their businesses from their homes. However, we must balance that commitment with the need to maintain the residential character of our neighborhoods. These restrictions help provide clear guidance for all home-based businesses.
How do I learn more?
Please visit the Licenses, Applications, and Permits section of the Business Licensing website page for more information.