jd2127 – in our large scheme in NSW, there are no specific by-laws preventing a resident from ‘conducting a business’ from their lot. However, the by-laws do state that a lot can only be used for ‘residential purposes’. Therefore changing a lot from ‘residential’ to ‘business’ status would require approval from OC and probably Council.
Our scheme has a number of residents who conduct businesses such as tutoring, accounting, web-site development etc from their home – but that does not change the ‘residential’ status of the lot itself.
In addition, our scheme has by-laws that cover behaviour of residents and their guests, visitor parking, children playing on common property, noise, nuisance and hazardous activities.
So, as far as our scheme is concerned, a ‘business’ that does not have an adverse affect on other residents or common property is likely to go unchallenged and would not require OC approval.
Hope this helps.