Clovis's Home Business: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles home business a little differently. In Clovis, California, there are 6 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Cottage Food Operations

California Cottage Food Operations (CA Health & Safety Code §113758 / §114365) permitted statewide. Fresno County Environmental Health issues CFO registration (Class A, self-issued) or permit (Class B, with inspection). Clovis cannot ban CFOs.

Key details: State Law: CA H&S §114365. Registration: Fresno County DEH. Sales Cap: $150,000/year. Class A: Direct sales only. Class B: Direct + indirect.

Unregistered CFO: county enforcement, cease & desist, potential misdemeanor under CA H&S §113980.

The rules around cottage food operations in Clovis lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Zoning Restrictions

Home occupations allowed in all residential zones (R-1, R-A, R-2, R-3) per Clovis Municipal Code Ch. 9.22 with HOP permit. Clearly incidental to residential use; max 25% of dwelling floor area; no employees outside household except where state-preempted (daycare, adult care).

Key details: Code: CMC Ch. 9.22. Permit: Home Occupation Permit (HOP). Floor Area: 25% max. Employees: Household only. Zones: All residential.

HOP revocation; zoning violation citation $100 first offense, $200 second, $500 third per CMC §1.08.

Home Daycare

CA Health & Safety Code §1597.40 preempts local regulation of Family Child Care Homes. Clovis must treat them as residential use: small (up to 8 children) and large (up to 14 children) licensed by CDSS Community Care Licensing.

Key details: State Law: CA H&S §1597.40. Small FCCH: Up to 8 children. Large FCCH: Up to 14 children. Licensing: CDSS CCL. Zoning: Residential by-right.

Attempted local restrictions preempted; unlicensed operation is a CDSS enforcement issue.

Clovis is more permissive than most cities when it comes to home daycare. That said, there are still limits.

Customer Traffic Restrictions

Home occupations in Clovis limited to minimal client traffic — typically no more than 1-2 clients at a time and not generating more vehicle trips than a normal residence. Clients by appointment only; no walk-ins.

Key details: Code: CMC §9.22. Clients: By appointment, limited. Traffic: Normal residential level. Parking: On-site or legal street only.

HOP revocation; nuisance abatement; parking citations per CMC §11.

Signage Rules

No signs advertising a home occupation are permitted on residential property in Clovis. CMC §9.22 prohibits exterior evidence of the business including signs, displays, or lighting.

Key details: On-site signs: Prohibited. Code: CMC §9.22. Window display: Prohibited. Vehicle signage: Allowed per CVC.

Sign removal ordered; CMC §1.08 administrative citation $100-$500.

This is one of the stricter rules in Clovis's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Home Occupation Permits

CMC Chapter 9.58 requires a Home Occupation Permit for most home businesses. The $35/year application is decided within ten days. Denials may be appealed to the Planning Commission.

Key details: Code Section: CMC Chapter 9.58. Annual Fee: $35 business registration. Decision Timeline: 10 days for compliant applications. Appeal: Planning Commission. Contact: (559) 324-2340 Planning Dept.

Operating a non-exempt home business without a Home Occupation Permit is a zoning violation. Code Enforcement may issue notices to comply, administrative citations, and escalating fines. Continued non-compliance may result in daily penalty assessments and referral to the City Attorney for enforcement action.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Clovis gives residents more room on home business. 2 of the 6 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

These rules come from Clovis's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.