What the report says about zoning in Petersburg city

Home occupation permit required:

Yes

Details:

Petersburg requires a Home Occupation Zoning Approval Questionnaire submitted to the Department of Planning and Community Development (135 N Union Street, Petersburg, VA 23803; [email protected]; 804-733-2308). Zoning approval is a prerequisite for a business license. The questionnaire addresses: floor area used (must not exceed 1/4 of one floor), no structural modifications, whether clients/employees visit, whether commodities not made on premises are stored/sold, and whether signs are on premises. No non-family employees allowed under standard home occupation definition. A city business license is also required from the Commissioner of the Revenue.

Home kitchen:

Virginia state cottage food exemption (Va. Code §3.2-5130) applies. Petersburg is an independent city. Home occupations must be conducted wholly within a main building by a family member residing on premises. No advertising beyond a 1 sq ft identification sign. No non-family employees. No equipment beyond what is normally residential. Home occupations are a permitted use in residential zoning districts. A Home Occupation Zoning Approval Questionnaire must be submitted to the Department of Planning and Community Development, and zoning approval is required as part of the business license process.

Last verified 2026-05-06. Not legal advice.