The "uncertain effects on zoning" seem to be just a way to money-grab around here. I had to pay my township for a zoning permit to have a home office... that is, a fee just to have a computer used for business inside a residence.
The township knows I work from home because the address for my business license is my home. A zoning permit is required for any home occupation, even if it involves no business use of the home beyond having a computer there. That's on top of the annual business privilege fee and gross receipts tax. Being self-employed means a lot of hands in your pocket around here...
