Legal Question in Business Law in Pennsylvania

Probably not. There are two types of beauty licenses-- a personal license and a salon license. So, the stylist needs both licenses in order to operate legally in Pennsylvania. If the person's home satisfies the requirement for a salon license (ie. bathroom, minimum size, visible sign, etc), then the State Department of Cosmetology will issue the salon license.

However, the stylist's home must also be zoned to allow in-home styling. Generally, the property must be zoned for limited commercial use. While I am not familiar with the zoning laws of Columbia Pennsylvania, I am familiar with Philadelphia's zoning regulations.

Property use licenses are issued by the Philadelphia Department of License and Inspections. Under Philadelphia code 6-402, a beautician can style hair in his/her private home if the client is confined, sick, or incapacitated without an additional license. Otherwise, under Philadelphia Code 14-212, the property has be zoned as a 'RC', then the stylist can operate a beauty salon within his/her home on the first-floor or basement.

You can verify the classification of your property here: http://citymaps.phila.gov/zoningoverlay/

Good luck.

Sharmil McKee

Business Attorney

Philadelphia, PA