Greece, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 157 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 157-14
Home occupations
Operative Text
A. Definition. As used in this section, the term "home occupation" shall mean a nonresidential accessory use which: (1) Is conducted in a dwelling unit; (2) Is clearly incidental, secondary or subordinate to the use of said dwelling unit for customary residential purposes; (3) Is conducted by a resident member of the family which resides in said dwelling unit; (4) Complies with the applicable regulations which govern development review and operation for said use; and (5) Complies with the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (as required by Chapter 211 , Zoning, of the Code of the Town of Greece). B. Major home occupation. (1) A major home occupation requires approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals (as required by Chapter 211 , Zoning, of the Code of the Town of Greece). (2) Major home occupations shall include any home occupation which: (a) Has not more than one employee, paid or unpaid, who is not a resident member of the family which resides on the premises; (b) Uses an identification sign; (c) Displays or stores goods, materials or equipment outdoors; (d) Generates additional traffic or the need for off-street parking beyond the customary needs of the occupants of a dwelling unit; or (e) Uses equipment which would not customarily be used by the occupants of a dwelling unit (as required by Chapter 211 , Zoning, of the Code of the Town of Greece). C. Minor home occupations. (1) A minor home occupation is permitted without Zoning Board of Appeal approval. (2) Minor home occupations shall comply with all of the following regulations. Said home occupations shall: (a) Involve no persons other than resident members of the family which resides on the premises. (b) Show no visible evidence from the exterior of the dwelling unit of the conduct of the occupation. (c) Generate no additional traffic or the need for off-street parking beyond the customary needs of the occupants of a dwelling unit. (d) Use no equipment which would not customarily be used by the occupants of a dwelling unit. (e) Not be advertised by address. (f) Be conducted entirely inside of the principal dwelling unit (as required by Chapter 211 , Zoning, of the Code of the Town of Greece).
Greece, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 157 § 157-14 establishes two tiers of home-based business activity permitted within residential dwelling units. A 'minor' home occupation — one that stays entirely indoors, involves only household residents, leaves no exterior trace, and generates no extra traffic — may operate without any special approval. A 'major' home occupation, which may involve one outside employee, signage, outdoor storage, or additional parking needs, requires review and approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals before it can lawfully operate.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Greece, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 157 § 157-14, property owners and managers generally review lease terms and property use to ensure any business activity conducted by a tenant qualifies as a permissible home occupation under the applicable tier. Compliant operators are aware that a tenant running a major home occupation without Zoning Board of Appeals approval would place the property in violation of local zoning requirements. Keeping records of any disclosed tenant business activities and confirming whether ZBA approval has been obtained for major home occupations are practices consistent with compliance under this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Greece, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 157 § 157-14 gives residents the ability to run certain small businesses from their homes, provided the activity fits within either the minor or major home occupation categories defined by the ordinance. Tenants whose business activity qualifies as a minor home occupation — entirely indoor, resident-only, no exterior signs or extra traffic — may operate without seeking ZBA approval, while those whose activity meets any major home occupation criterion must obtain that approval first. Tenants who believe their home occupation rights are being improperly restricted may wish to review the full requirements under Chapter 211 of the Town of Greece Code, consult a tenant-rights organization, or contact the Town's zoning office for clarification.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
Rules and statutes cited by this regulation
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation