Opinion ID: 149504
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Is Flava Works operating a business at the 27th Street residence?

Text: We are careful to distinguish the activities taking place at the 27th Street residence from a home occupation, which is incidental and subordinate to a dwelling's use for residential purposes. The Miami Zoning Ordinance allows for a variety of home occupations in residential zones. These exceptions to the general prohibition against operating a business in a residential zone are strictly defined by the zoning ordinance. In the R-4 zoning district, home occupations may not be conducted by more than three persons and are limited to certain enumerated occupations, such as: architect, broker, or lawyer. The activities taking place at the 27th Street residence do not fall within the zoning ordinance's limited exception for home occupations. Flava Works argues that no business was being conducted at the 27th Street residence because no goods were bought or sold and nothing was manufactured on the premises. However, it can be reasonably asserted that raw video images, which were later sold over the internet, were created at the 27th Street residence. While these images are not tangible goods, they have a commercial value and enable Flava Works to earn a profit. This seems to comport with the common definition of a business, which is [a] commercial enterprise carried on for profit. Black's Law Dictionary 211 (8th ed.2004). The activities taking place at the 27th Street residence are part and parcel to Flava Work's business operations. The fact that certain aspects of the business are performed at other locations does not alter this analysis. Business objectives are the sole reason individuals are paid to live and engage in sexual activities at the 27th Street residence. Flava Works would be unable to deliver content to its subscribers without these endeavors. The activities taking place at the 27th Street residence are a clear violation of the prohibition against operating a business in a residential zone.