San Bernardino's Home Business: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles home business a little differently. In San Bernardino, 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 AB 1616 and AB 1240 authorize cottage food operations from home kitchens. San Bernardino operators must register with County Environmental Health and follow state product, label, and sales rules.
Key details: State authority: CA Homemade Food Act AB 1616 and AB 1240. Class A: Direct sales only, self-registration and food handler course. Class B: Indirect sales allowed, annual home-kitchen inspection. Revenue caps: 75,000 dollars Class A and 150,000 dollars Class B. Labeling: Must disclose home kitchen and allergens per state rule.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find San Bernardino gives residents more flexibility on cottage food operations.
Customer Traffic Restrictions
Home businesses in San Bernardino cannot generate more traffic than a typical single-family home. On-site customer visits are limited and uses needing frequent client traffic must locate in commercial zones.
Key details: Limit on visits: Typically only a few client visits per day by appointment. Prohibited uses: Retail, walk-in, restaurants, group classes banned. Deliveries: Commercial truck deliveries must stay at residential levels. Parking: Customers must use on-site driveway or legal street spaces. Daycare exception: Small family daycare protected by state law.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. San Bernardino actively enforces its customer traffic restrictions requirements.
Home Occupation Permits
San Bernardino requires a Home Occupation Permit and business license for any business run from a residence. Activity must stay clearly incidental to the home with no outside employees or customer traffic.
Key details: Permit: Home Occupation Permit required. Floor Area Cap: 25 percent of dwelling. Employees: Residents only. Business License: Required annually. Planning Contact: (909) 384-5122.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Home Daycare
San Bernardino family child care homes are protected by CA Health and Safety Code 1597.40. Licensed small homes up to 8 children and large homes up to 14 are a residential use by right citywide.
Key details: State Preemption: CA H and S Code 1597.40. Small Home Capacity: Up to 8 children. Large Home Capacity: Up to 14 children. Licensing Agency: CA Community Care Licensing. City Contact: (909) 384-5122.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
San Bernardino is more permissive than most cities when it comes to home daycare. That said, there are still limits.
Zoning Restrictions
San Bernardino allows home occupations in most residential zones if the business is secondary to residential use, has no exterior evidence, and does not raise traffic, noise, or parking demand.
Key details: Permit: Home occupation permit or business license required. Floor area: Typically 25 percent of dwelling or 500 sq ft maximum. Residential character: No exterior evidence of the business allowed. Prohibited uses: Auto repair, welding, kennels, adult uses banned. Enforcement: Code Enforcement can cite and revoke permit.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Signage Rules
Exterior signs for home businesses are generally prohibited in San Bernardino residential zones. The Development Code requires home occupations to maintain a residential appearance with no business signage.
Key details: Exterior signs: Generally prohibited for home occupations. Limited ID plate: Up to 1 sq ft, non-illuminated, in some professional zones. Vehicle signs: Overnight parking of signed work trucks restricted. Temporary signs: Open-house or event signs limited in size and duration. Rationale: Preserve residential character required by zoning.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Compared to other cities, San Bernardino takes a harder line on signage rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
The Bottom Line
San Bernardino'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 San Bernardino is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that San Bernardino 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.