BISMARCK, ND ( KXNET ) — On Tuesday night, the Bismarck Board of Commissioners voted to pass Ordinance 6583 .

The ordinance will make it easier for home-based business owners to earn an honest living.

“Everybody deserves the opportunity to earn an honest living,” said Institute for Justice activism associate Ellen Hamlett, “and for some people, the best way to do so is by starting a home-based business. But in too many cities across the country, we’ve seen how local regulations can prevent entrepreneurs from getting their businesses off the ground. We applaud Bismarck officials for implementing the needed reforms to ensure home businesses can thrive, while still ensuring public safety and protecting against nuisances.”

IJ was alerted in the spring about the proposed ordinance by Bismarck entrepreneurs, and on May 15, the group submitted public comments suggesting an amendment to the ordinance to allow home businesses to hire outside employees.

The Bismark Planning and Zone Commission implemented the amendment before the ordinance went to the City Commission.

“Home-based businesses are a vital part of the American economy,” added IJ’s Cities Work Director Jennifer McDonald, ” which is why it is so crucial other cities follow in Bismarck’s footsteps to create a regulatory framework that allows these businesses to succeed. Some of America’s biggest companies, such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Disney, were started from home.”

According to recent census data , the U.S. is home to over 15 million home-based businesses, which is about half of all small businesses. In addition, home businesses make up 25% of small businesses that have employees.

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