A home occupation is a business, profession or other economic activity conducted full- or part-time in the principal residence of the person conducting the business. A Home Occupation Permit (HOP) is required for operating a business from your home.
- You must live in the District of Columbia
- The home must be your primary residence
How to Apply
You must obtain a HOP before you obtain your business license. Most home office uses are eligible for an auto-issued HOP while other uses such as childcare and lodging businesses will require staff review.
Review These Steps BEFORE Submitting a HOP Application
Applicants must submit an online HOP application and upload the required supporting documentation. An HOP application submitted by anyone other than the named applicant, for whom the premises is their primary residence, will not be accepted.
- Tenants: If applicant is a tenant of the residence, please upload proof of residency. Acceptable documents include:
- Driver’s license or identification card issued by the District
- Gas or electric utility bill
- Business Already Operating: If the applicant, or other resident at the property, is presently operating a business in the residence, please upload a copy of all existing HOPs.
- Licensed Professionals: If the applicant classifies themselves as a licensed professional, please upload a copy of the license to practice in the District. Examples of professions requiring professional licensure include, but are not limited to:
- Attorney
- Medical Doctor
- Dentist
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Funeral Director
- Real Estate sales
- Architects
- Chlld Development Home (CDH): If the proposed business is a CDH as defined by 11 DCMR B-100, please upload the required written and graphic fire evacuation plans and a copy of the applicant’s driver’s license.
Application Review Process
The review process typically takes 24 hours for non-childcare applications and 72 hours to schedule an inspection for childcare applications.
Track your application status on SCOUT
Resources and Information
- At a Glance: Establishing or Expanding a Childcare Operation in the District of Columbia
- Establishing a Child Development Home
- Establishing a Child Development Center
- Childcare Permitting and Regulations - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Written Fire Evacuation Plan Form
- Fire Evacuation Plan Guidelines for Child Development Homes
- Child Development Homes Building Code- Appendix M
- Certificate of Occupancy Requirements and Application
- HOP Cancellation Form