Office of the Commissioner of The Revenue
Home Based Businesses

All business entities operating within the Portsmouth city limits are required to have a City of Portsmouth Business License. Some businesses may be operated from a residence if they comply with the following criteria:

• No Clients are permitted to visit the home.
• There will be no storage of any merchandise or equipment at the home.
• Less than 15% of the home will be utilized for business.
• Only those individuals residing at the home may be utilized in the business.
• No detached structures/signs may be utilized for the business.
• There shall be no sale of merchandise from the home.
• There shall be no food processing.
  

The Permits & Inspections Department for the City of Portsmouth is responsible for monitoring these types of businesses and any questions should be reported to their office by calling 757-393-8531.

If the applicant does not own the home, then a letter from the property owner stating that they will allow the applicant to operate the particular business from the property is required.