Madera County, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Auto Repair on Residential Property (2026)
Key Facts
- Repair scope
- Small hand-carryable items only
- Auto/vehicle repair
- Effectively prohibited
- Accessory structure repairs
- Also barred, § 18.89.030(B)
- Authority
- Planning Department
Summary
Home occupations in unincorporated Madera County can't perform repair services beyond small items a single person can carry without power tools or mechanical equipment: no auto repair.
H.A home occupation may not involve the performance of any repair services on the premises other than small appliances, equipment, or other small objects which are normally capable of being carried by one person without the aid of mechanical equipment or devices.I.Business advertising shall utilize a post office box and not the residential address.J.Signs advertising the home occupation are not permitted on the property. Other advertising shall not include the address of the premises.K.Sales of products or provision of services shall be delivered offsite by the occupants of the residence, and no customers shall come to the site to take delivery of products or receive services at the site. (Ord. No. 525-PP, § 1, 4-12-11).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 52).
Full Breakdown
Section 18.89.030(H) limits home-occupation repair work to small items 'normally capable of being carried by one person without the aid of mechanical equipment or devices': appliances, small electronics and the like. Automotive, small-engine, or any repair work requiring lifts, jacks, or power tools does not qualify and is not an allowed home occupation in unincorporated Madera County. Subsection B reinforces this by barring home occupations, including any repair activity, from being conducted in a garage or other accessory structure.
Violations & Fines
Running vehicle or other mechanical-equipment repair work from a residence violates § 18.89.030(H) and (B); the county can revoke home occupation status and pursue zoning enforcement under Chapter 18.112.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run an auto repair business from my home in Madera County?
What about working on cars in my garage instead of the house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madera County
California rules heatmap·Compare Madera County to another location·View the California business licensing & operations overview
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