Running a Business From Your Markham Home: Home Occupation Rules and Live Work Units
Neeraj Moolchandani is a top real estate agent in Markham, Ontario. Published November 13, 2026 · By Neeraj Moolchandani, REALTOR®, Cofounder of the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage
The short answer
In most Markham homes, a home business is allowed as a home occupation if it stays secondary to the home: it can use no more than 25% of the home's floor area, have no more than one employee besides the household, and serve no more than four students or four personal service clients at once, with no outdoor storage or display. Retail stores, restaurants and short term rentals are not home occupations. A unit zoned for commercial use on the ground floor, often marketed as live work, can allow more, but only within its specific zone.
Tutors, accountants, designers, aestheticians and consultants across Markham work from home. Some buyers want a home that can grow into a storefront. Our Kaizen Real Estate Team is one of the teams Markham families trust to match homes to how they actually live and work, so here are the rules to know.
Planning to run a business from your next home? Tell Neeraj before you start looking.
Call (647) 370 8885Markham's Home Occupation Rules
Section 4.9.1 of Markham's comprehensive zoning bylaw sets the main conditions.
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Secondary use | The business must clearly be secondary to the home |
| Inside only | Conducted entirely within a permitted building on the lot |
| Run by a resident | At least one resident of the home must run it |
| Employees | No more than one employee besides household members |
| Space | No more than 25% of the home's gross floor area |
| Nuisance | No noise, fumes, odour, dust or glare noticeable outside |
| Outdoor storage or display | Not allowed |
| Sales | Only goods made on site, or phone, mail or online orders not picked up at the home |
| Teaching | No more than four students at a time |
| Personal services | No more than four clients at a time |
| Deliveries | Only by passenger vehicles or normal parcel carriers |
Source: City of Markham Zoning Bylaw 2024 19, Section 4.9.1
What Is Not Allowed
The bylaw lists uses that are not home occupations, including motor vehicle repair or towing, kennels, retail stores, and any use that offers temporary overnight accommodation, such as bed and breakfasts and short term rentals. A doctor's office in a home is only permitted on lots that front onto qualifying roads. Markham's home based business page adds that restaurants, take out and adult entertainment are also prohibited.
Looking at a unit marketed as live work? Ask Neeraj what to verify.
Call (647) 370 8885Live Work and Commercially Zoned Units
Some newer master planned areas include townhomes or units where the ground floor is zoned for commercial use, often marketed as live work. These can allow a storefront, signage or more client traffic than a home occupation, but only within what that zone permits.
- Check the exact zone and any site specific exception on Markham's zoning map.
- Read the condo declaration or freehold agreements for use restrictions.
- Confirm parking for clients and staff.
- Ask your insurer how they treat a home with a business on site.
- Ask your lender, because some treat mixed use properties differently from a regular home.
Choosing a Home That Works for a Business
- A main floor room near the front door keeps clients away from family space.
- A separate side entrance helps, but check it is legal and safe.
- A finished lower level can work for quiet office use; see our guide on homes with room for an office.
- Driveway space matters if clients or a staff member will park.
- Quiet streets are easier for neighbours to accept.
Want to compare a home office layout with a separate entrance? Neeraj can help.
Call (647) 370 8885Keep Neighbours on Side
Most complaints come from parking, noise and traffic. Schedule appointments so clients do not overlap, ask them to park on your driveway, and keep the outside of the home looking residential. If your business grows beyond the home occupation limits, it may be time for a commercial space instead; see our guide on buying vs leasing a commercial condo.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
- What zone is this property in, and are there exceptions?
- Would my business fit the home occupation limits?
- Is there space for a client entrance and parking?
- Do condo rules or agreements restrict business use?
- What do my insurer and lender need to know?
If you plan a rental suite as well, our guide to legal basement apartments explains how the two can fit together.
Have a question about home business rules? Call Neeraj.
Call (647) 370 8885Questions Markham Clients Ask
Can I run a business from my home in Markham?
Yes, as a home occupation, if it stays secondary to the home, uses no more than 25% of the floor area, has no more than one outside employee and meets the other zoning conditions.
How many clients can I see at home in Markham?
The zoning bylaw allows no more than four students for teaching, or four clients for personal services, at any one time.
Can I open a retail store in my Markham home?
No. Retail stores are listed as uses that are not home occupations. Online or mail order sales of goods not picked up at the home are allowed.
What is a live work unit?
A unit where the ground floor is zoned for commercial use and the upper floors are a home. What you can do depends on the exact zone, so check before you buy.
Do I need to tell my insurer about a home business?
Yes. Insurers may need to adjust or add coverage for a business run from home, especially if clients visit.
Keep Reading
Helpful Pages
Find a Home That Fits Your Work
Neeraj will help you match layout, zoning and location to how you plan to live and work.
Sources: City of Markham, Zoning Bylaw 2024 19 (consolidated); City of Markham, Home based businesses.
Neeraj Moolchandani, REALTOR®, Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. (647) 370 8885 · info@kaizenrealestate.ca. Published November 13, 2026. General information only, not legal, tax, financial or engineering advice. Rules and programs change, so confirm details with the official source and your own professionals before you act. Not intended to solicit properties currently under contract.
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