Imperial County, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Auto Repair on Residential Property (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited home use
- Car repair or small engine repair
- Also barred
- Appliance repair, cabinet making, veterinary
- Workaround
- Locate in commercial/industrial zone
- Governing section
- Code § 90404.02
Summary
Imperial County expressly bars car repair and small-engine repair from qualifying as a home occupation, alongside appliance repair, cabinet shops, and veterinary clinics: those uses need a standard commercial license and zone instead.
Permitted home occupations do not and shall not be deemed to include any of the following or similar uses:
A.Antique shop (repair or sales).B.Appliance repair.C.Barber or beauty shop.D.Cabinet making or woodworking.E.Car repair or small engine repair.F.Funeral chapel or funeral home.G.Gift shop.H.Medical or dental clinic, hospital.I.Renting of trailers, autos, trucks or motorcycles.J.Restaurant.K.Stable or kennel.L.Veterinary clinic or hospital.M.No cannabis manufacturing shall be allowed as a Home Occupation including, but not limited to, Cottage Food Operation and In-home Retail Sales. (Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20; Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 - 9-25).
Full Breakdown
Imperial County Code § 90404.02 lists 'car repair or small engine repair' among the uses that 'do not and shall not be deemed' permitted home occupations, along with appliance repair, cabinet making, funeral homes, and veterinary clinics. A resident cannot obtain a home occupation permit for an auto repair business under Division 4, Chapter 4 of Title 9; the activity must instead locate in a commercial or industrial zone and secure the applicable business license and land-use approvals for that zone.
Violations & Fines
Operating a car repair or small-engine repair business out of a residence violates § 90404.02 outright: no home occupation permit can legalize it, and the county can pursue code enforcement for the unpermitted commercial use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fix cars in my driveway for money in Imperial County?
What home businesses are banned in Imperial County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Imperial County
California rules heatmap·Compare Imperial County to another location·View the California business licensing & operations overview
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