Photo courtesy of Henk L (Sxc.hu)
According to Bella Vista’s Declarations and Covenants, written in 1965, all home businesses, or businesses established in areas zoned as residential, are illegal in the community. Here’s what the document has to say about the practice:
“Except for the business of the developer (Cooper Communities Inc.) in furtherance of its sales program, the practice of any profession or the carrying on of a business is prohibited within the area zoned as residential upon any recorded subdivision plat of the Properties.”
The original declaration was intended to prevent home businesses such as daycare centers, beauty shops, and auto repair. These types of businesses were thought to create excess traffic and noise in residential areas, which many residents don’t want.
However, what about virtual businesses or telecommuters? According to Tommy Bailey, General Manager of the Property Owner’s Association, there are many people today who work from home virtually and don’t cause problems with traffic and clients coming and going from their homes. Their neighbors may be completely unaware that these individuals work from home.
Bailey also confirms that today, very few complaints of home businesses are received by the POA. It would seem that most residents may be unaware that such a law even exists in their community.
This situation is one very important example of why you should always check your local laws and regulations before starting up a home based business. You never know what archaic declarations may still be on the books in your community. This is particularly important if your home is part of a property owner’s association.
For more information about the Bella Vista home business law, read this article published in the North West Arkansas News, or contact the Bella Vista Village Architectural Control Committee, which is responsible for enforcing the Declarations and Covenants.
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