Question:  I have a home-based craft business and want to find out if it is legal in my community.  I followed the directions you give on your Web site, but I have not gotten any answers.  No one ever seems to be in their offices and their answering machine message asks for my name and telephone number. I don't want to leave that information.  What should I do now?-- Not disclosed, RI

Answer:  We'll go you one better, they probably have caller ID if you had a direct number to dial. But don't worry. They won't know why you called so don't be concerned, yet.

Here's how you can proceed. Call your regional public library and ask the reference librarian if they have copies of the municipal zoning ordinances for your town. Most modern libraries do.  If they don't, then call your town's Chamber of Commerce and ask them if they have the ordinances and express your concern. If the Chamber of Commerce asks you to identify yourself, you can -- they will not turn you in.  By doing this, you will also be getting the Chamber of Commerce, a business organization, chamber into the loop.  As another option, you may call your County (or Regional) Planning Board and tell them you are researching a potential article for a magazine and would like to look at XYZ town's zoning ordinances regarding home occupations. Most of them will be very cooperative, especially when their lack of cooperation may be documented in print.

Please note, we do not condone deception.  But if your non-offensive home-based business is indeed illegal, admitting that you have a home-based business to a public official can result in your business being shut down, fined, or more.

Lastly, if you still are not able to access the information you are seeking, let us know directly. Because you are a Registered Member of the HBBC seeking the information for your community of residence, we will attempt to get the ordinances for you.