A home occupation is defined as the partial use or dwelling unit for commercial or nonresidential uses by a resident, which is __________ and _____________ to the use of the dwelling for residential purposes.

A home occupation is specifically defined in zoning regulations as a use of a property that allows for commercial or nonresidential activities to occur within a residential setting. The critical elements of this definition highlight that such activities must be subordinate and incidental to the primary residential use of the dwelling.

When something is described as subordinate, it means that the home occupation must not dominate or overshadow the residential characteristics of the property. It should be a minor use in comparison to the overall function of the home as a living space. Similarly, to be incidental implies that the home occupation is secondary and not the primary purpose of the dwelling.

For example, a small business that a resident runs, like a home-based office or an art studio that doesn’t create significant disruption in the neighborhood or exceed specific operational guidelines, would be considered a home occupation that is both subordinate and incidental. This classification allows residents to engage in limited commercial activities while maintaining the primary residential nature of the property and ensuring that the character of the neighborhood remains intact.

In contrast, the other options do not appropriately fit the context of what constitutes a legitimate home occupation. Terms like "illegal" or "unreliable" do not align with the intent of zoning laws that often permit certain types of business activities if they