Can I add a bakery to my house in the semi-suburbs?

Zoning laws are local. Check with your city.

I suggest you first check the deed restrictions. You should have received a copy when you bought your house. If you cannot find your copy and you purchased recently, you might check with the Title company that issued your title insurance policy.

If there is nothing there, or you are not able to access info on your deed restrictions, you can check with your local zoning commission. You'll probably have to deal with them anyway.

You mention bait shops, barbers, nail salons, etc...are these in your immediate neighborhood? If so, you probably have a good shot at getting your zoning changed. But remember that you are talking about food, not finger nails or hair. I believe the restrictions and requirements for food establishments, even just take-out (like most bakeries) are much stricter. If you will actually be doing the baking in your home, you will probably have to comply with local inspections and regulations.

I don't think you can just start a bakery and put out a sign.

Good luck

Everyone is correct. Zoning laws are very strict; and you also need to provide a set amount of parking, handicap access, waste removal, health inspection, as well as possible industrial plumbing. You must meet with your zoning commission/planning dept of the area you live in-- to not do so means fines as well as being shut down. If you are zoned totally residential, you will not be able to open anything commercial.

Check with the County and City. Also check your lease/rental agreement, often they have a stipulation of no business conducted on the property.