A home occupation is defined by the Township’s Zoning By-law as a business use that is secondary to the residential use of a property. It may occur within the dwelling or an accessory building, provided it does not alter the residential character of the property.
Home-Based Businesses in Oro-Medonte
Oro‑Medonte is a community that supports entrepreneurship at every level—including home-based businesses. Whether you’re starting a new venture or growing an existing one, the Township offers resources and guidance to help you succeed from the comfort of your own home. With a strong local network, access to high-speed internet, and proximity to major markets, home-based businesses thrive here. From professional services to creative enterprises, Oro‑Medonte provides the flexibility and support you need to turn ideas into opportunities. See our Home-Based Resources here!
Oro-Medonte is a place where lifestyle and opportunity go hand in hand. With its scenic landscapes, welcoming communities, and growing local economy, it’s no wonder so many residents choose to live, work, and build their futures here. The Township is proud to be home to a thriving network of innovative home-based businesses—from artisans and wellness professionals to skilled trades, digital consultants, and online ventures.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to formalize and grow your operations, Oro-Medonte offers the space, support, and quality of life to help you succeed. With strong community backing and easy access to major transportation routes, it’s the perfect environment for running a business from home.
Explore what it means to live, work, and play in a community that values entrepreneurship, innovation, and a deep connection to place. The resources and guidelines below will help you understand what’s required and how to get started on your journey as a home-based business owner in Oro-Medonte.
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What you Need to Know
Thinking of launching a business from your home? Oro-Medonte supports entrepreneurship and small business growth, including home-based ventures. However, there are important zoning regulations and by-law requirements to consider before getting started.
Zoning Compliance
Home-based businesses are permitted in many residential and rural zones, but they must comply with the Township’s current Zoning By-law. This includes:
- Operating as a secondary use to the primary residential function.
- Being entirely indoors (no outdoor storage or display).
- Ensuring the business does not create a nuisance (such as noise, vibration, fumes, odour, dust, glare or radiation), which is evident outside the structure.
Building Permits and Approvals
f your business involves renovations, plumbing, or new construction (e.g., converting a garage or building a workshop), you may need a Building Permit.
Before applying, you must:
- Obtain a Zoning Certificate through the Township’s online Application Portal.
- Submit site plans, floor plans, and septic verification (if applicable).
Zoning Certificates/Building Permit Applications Planning Applications & Guidelines
Starting a Home Food-Based Business
- In addition to ensuring compliance with the Zoning By-law and Building Code - you must notify the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit of your intent to operate a food premises. This is required under Ontario’s Health Protection and Promotion Act and Food Premises Regulation 493/17
- If you plan to renovate or construct a food preparation area, contact the Health Unit before starting.
You’ll need to:
- Complete a notification form
- Confirm approvals from municipal departments (e.g., building, fire, planning)
Food Safety & Inspections
- Your business may be subject to periodic inspections. You’re encouraged to speak with a Public Health Inspector to ensure your setup meets food safety standards: 705-721-7520.
Low-Risk Foods
- If you’re preparing low-risk foods (e.g., baked goods, jams, chocolates, teas), some regulatory requirements may be eased. These businesses may not need commercial dishwashing setups or hand-washing stations, but food safety practices still apply.
Starting an Agribusiness in Oro-Medonte
If your property is designated Agricultural or Rural, Oro-Medonte’s Official Plan allows for the consideration of on-farm diversified uses— secondary business activities that complement your primary farming operation—as well as agricultural-related uses, which include farm-related industrial or commercial activities that are directly connected to and serve farm operations in the area as a primary activity.
The current zoning by-law does not as of right allow for on-farm diversified uses or ag-related uses, with the exception of bed and breakfasts, custom workshops, farm produce sales outlets, home occupations, market gardens, or a veterinary clinic.
The Official Plan however does allow for consideration of on-farm diversified uses and ag-related uses in the Agricultural Designation, but a rezoning (as well as site plan control) may be required to establish
What’s Permitted?
As of right now, the Agricultural/Rural (A/RU) Zone allows for the following on-farm diversified/agricultural-related uses:
- Bed & Breakfast
- Custom Workshops
- Farm Produce Sales Outlets
- Home Occupations
- Market Gardens; and
- Veterinary Clinics
To allow for additional on-farm diversified uses or agricultural-related uses, a zoning by-law amendment may be required.
Please review Zoning By-law 97-95 to review all applicable provisions. Additionally, the Township's Agricultural Building Guidelines should be referenced.
Planning Support
If you're considering diversifying your farm operation, it's recommended to speak with Planning staff early in the process. They can help confirm zoning permissions, guide you through the Planning process, and advise on any required permits.
📄 Complete a Development Inquiry Form to be connected with the appropriate staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a home occupation?
Do I need to live on the property where I operate my home-based business?
Yes. The business must be operated by at least one resident of the dwelling unit on the property. One non-resident employee is permitted.
How much space can my business occupy?
- Inside the home: Up to 35% of the gross floor area.
- Accessory building (residential zones): Up to 50% of the gross floor area.
- Accessory building (agricultural/rural zones): Up to 100% of the gross floor area.
Can I operate my business outdoors?
No. All business activities must take place entirely within a building. Outdoor storage or display of materials or products is not permitted.
Can I sell products from my home?
Retail sales are allowed only if products are delivered via mail, courier, or similar services. Traditional storefronts or walk-in retail operations are not permitted. Deliveries must be made using passenger vehicles typical of residential courier services.
Do I need to notify the Township about my home-based business?
There is no formal requirement to notify the Township. However, it is recommended to contact the Planning Department if you have questions or are planning renovations or expansions to ensure compliance with zoning regulations.
A building permit is required if your business involves:
- Construction or renovation of an accessory building
- Installation of plumbing or washrooms
- Structural changes within the home
- Modifications to the septic system
Before applying for a building permit, you must obtain a Zoning Certificate through the Township’s online platform, Cloudpermit. Planning staff will review your proposal for zoning compliance before you proceed with the permit application.
Required documents may include:
- Approved Zoning Certificate
- Site and floor plans
- Septic system verification (if plumbing is involved)
- Heating and ventilation details (for accessory buildings used as workspaces)
For more information, visit:
Entrances serving home occupations or industry located adjacent to provincial highways require the approval of the MTO. Typically, MTO will require that the property owner obtain an entrance permit and a sign permit if necessary. As a condition of these permits, MTO requires the property owner to acknowledge that the use of their existing entrance cannot be converted to a commercial entrance in the future and that an additional entrance will not be permitted to accommodate the home occupations, industry or business.
Contact Us
As your municipal Business Support, we want to support you in any way possible. There are so many options and pathways for home-based businesses and we want you to achieve your business ideas and goals here in beautiful Oro-Medonte. We encourage you to reach out for more support or if you need anything at all. Additionally, to gain a wider reach in our community and beyond, we encourage you to fill out our Business Directory Form!
As your business is operated from your residence, you are able to add your business to the directory without having your address published.
Donna Hewitt - Director, Corporate Service
Send an Email to the Director of Corporate Services
Jennifer Whitley - Economic Development Officer
Contact Us
Township of Oro-Medonte Administration Centre
148 Line 7 South
Oro-Medonte, ON L0L 2E0
Phone: (705) 487-2171
Fax: (705) 487-0133
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