Home Businesses: What you need to know Published Nov. 23, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Desiree Economides 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Finding the perfect gift for that special someone can sometimes be difficult, which is why many people turn to home businesses for personalized gifts. However, in order to have a home business at Yokota, entrepreneurs must obtain a home business license. "We've seen a recent trend on social media sites of advertising for unauthorized home businesses at Yokota," said Col. Todd Freece, 374th Mission Support Group commander. "We want to support legitimate home businesses on base; however to do so, residents must go through the proper steps to run their business safely and in compliance with Air Force and Department of Defense instructions." To become an authorized home business, prospective owners must obtain a home enterprise application from the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron housing office. The application has step-by-step instructions to obtain a business permit. All home businesses must be coordinated through Public Health, Environmental Planning, Fire Prevention, AAFES, the Housing Office, and the Legal Office. "One regulation that is of particular concern for home businesses are the use of utilities," said Lt. Col. Wade Rawlins, 374th Civil Engineer Squadron commander. "Home businesses cannot use more than a normal amount of utilities, nor can the appliances utilized require additional maintenance or repair at cost to the government and in turn the U.S. taxpayer." Home businesses must also follow a number of special restrictions to operate. These rules are in accordance with Air Force and DOD instructions and are outlined in the home enterprise application. To find out more about operating a home business on Yokota, please contact the base housing office at 225- 7114.