Code Enforcement Officer Practice Test

The argument that home occupations discriminate economically against owners of commercial space is based on the idea that allowing businesses to operate from residential properties can undermine the commercial real estate market. Property owners who have invested in commercial spaces may feel disadvantaged because they bear the costs of operating a business in a designated commercial area, while home-based businesses can conduct similar activities without incurring those costs or adhering to the same zoning restrictions. This dynamic can lead to perceptions of unfair competition and can also affect the desirability and economic viability of commercial properties.

In contrast, the other options suggest positive impacts of home occupations. Increasing property values and enhancing neighborhood character are typically associated with home-based businesses that contribute positively to the community. Likewise, the assertion that such occupations reduce noise pollution reflects a view that many home businesses are small-scale and less disruptive than larger commercial operations. Thus, the focus on economic equity and competition provides a clear rationale for viewing home occupations as potentially disadvantageous to owners of commercial real estate.