Home Business in Redding, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Redding or are thinking about moving there, home business are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Redding has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of home business, and some of them might surprise you.

Zoning Restrictions

Redding Municipal Code §18.43.110 allows home occupations in any residential zone if the business is incidental to the residential use, conducted entirely indoors, and produces no exterior evidence. A city business license and signed home occupation affidavit are required.

Key details: Code Section: RMC 18.43.110. Allowed Zones: Residential districts. Exterior Evidence: Prohibited. Required Permit: Business license + affidavit. Cottage Food: Allowed under H&S §113758.

Operating without a business license, or with prohibited exterior evidence (outdoor storage, oversized signs, customer-parking spillover), is a Chapter 18.43 violation enforced by Redding Code Enforcement with administrative citations.

Customer Traffic Restrictions

Redding Municipal Code §18.43.110 limits customer traffic so it doesn't change the residential character of the lot. No exterior evidence of the business is allowed, including outdoor display, storage, or commercial vehicle operations tied to the home occupation.

Key details: Code Section: RMC 18.43.110. Exterior Evidence: Prohibited. Outdoor Display/Storage: Prohibited. Cottage Food Direct Sales: Allowed within H&S §113758. Enforcement: Redding Code Enforcement.

Customer traffic or parking that converts the lot's appearance to commercial, or any outdoor display/storage, violates RMC 18.43.110 and triggers administrative citations or business-license revocation. Persistent parking spillover may also trigger Title 11 enforcement.

Signage Rules

Under Redding Municipal Code §18.43.110, a home occupation is limited to a single on-site nonilluminated sign not exceeding four square feet. The sign must comply with Chapter 18.42 (Signs). The general prohibition on exterior evidence otherwise applies.

Key details: Maximum Number: One on-site sign. Maximum Area: 4 sq ft. Illumination: Prohibited. Governing Sections: RMC 18.43.110, 18.42. Off-Site Signs: Prohibited.

Installing an illuminated, oversized, or off-site sign for a home occupation violates RMC 18.43.110 and Chapter 18.42, enforced by Code Enforcement with citations. Repeated violations can revoke the home-occupation business license.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Redding actively enforces its signage rules requirements.

The Bottom Line

Redding's home business rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Redding is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Redding can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.