Highland, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Auto Repair on Residential Property (2026)

The City of Highland regulates yard vehicle work through the outdoor storage rules in § 16.40.340 of the Development Code, and they apply in addition to the standards of each zoning district. Subsection A names motor vehicles, trailers, airplanes, boats, loose rubbish, garbage, junk and building materials. For that whole list, storage, repair work, dismantling or service is not allowed in any required front setback or street side yard of any property, unless another provision of the code permits it. All long-term outdoor storage has to be screened from view. Subsection B closes a second gap: in any residential district, no portion of a vacant or undeveloped parcel, or of a parcel where no main building exists, can hold long-term storage of those items. Subsection C carves out building materials for use on the same parcel, which can sit there while a valid building permit is in effect for construction on the premises.

Other Highland rules reach the same driveway. Chapter 8.50, Noise Control, makes it unlawful under § 8.50.050(J) to repair, rebuild, reconstruct or dismantle any motor vehicle or other mechanical equipment in a manner plainly audible across property lines outside the permitted hours: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. in every zone except the industrial zone, where the window opens at 5:00 a.m.

A resident who wants to run a car repair business from home also meets the home occupation chapter. Section 5.12.010 defines a home occupation as an occupation conducted entirely within a dwelling, and § 5.12.020(A)(3) allows no employees outside the household, no direct sale of goods on the premises, no outdoor storage and no outdoor space for the business. The business is limited to not more than two rooms, counting an attached or detached enclosed garage, and storage is capped at 250 square feet or 25 percent of the residence, whichever is greater. Commercial shops fall under § 16.44.240, Vehicle repair facilities, which is written to reduce noise, fumes, litter and parking problems associated with motor vehicle repair shops.