Complaints from neighbors is often the kiss of death for home businesses. Journal and Online Courier reported that one home business owner operating a bakery in West Lafayette, Indiana lost her home business after the zoning board denied the reclassification request. The board deemed the bakery to be a commercial venture and cannot be operated in a residential area. With the decision, Sandra Hufford will not be allowed to operate her bakery near her home.

The reason? Neighbors complained of the increased traffic and delivery noise resulting from the bakery’s operation. As the article said of those who complained:

“As we’ve said all along, we like (the bakery), too. We simply don’t like it to be next door to us.”

If you are thinking whether your business will be allowed to operate from your home, your first litmus test should be your neighbors. Ask yourself: will your neighbors complain of the noise or traffic? Will they be bothered by the comings and goings of the UPS or FedEx trucks? If your neigbors complain, chances are the zoning board will not allow you to operate your business.