Home Business in Brentwood, CA (2026)
4 verified home business rules for Brentwood, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning Restrictions
Brentwood requires a Home Occupation Permit and city business license for any business operated from a residence. The home business must be clearly incidental to the residential use, use no more than approximately 25 percent of the dwelling, and produce no external evidence (signs, traffic, noise, odors, storage) that differs from a typical residence.
Home Business: Permits
Some RestrictionsSignage Rules
Brentwood home occupation rules prohibit any exterior signage advertising a home-based business. The residence must retain its residential character, meaning no signs, lighted displays, window graphics, or merchandise visible from the street or adjacent properties. Violations are typically cited under the zoning code with administrative fines.
Home Business: Signage
Heavy RestrictionsCustomer Traffic Restrictions
Customer visits to Brentwood home-based businesses are strictly limited to preserve residential character. Most home occupation permits allow only by-appointment visits with no more than one or two clients on the property at a time and no visible retail activity. Walk-in traffic and regular client group sessions are prohibited.
Home Business: Customer Traffic
Some RestrictionsHome Daycare
Under California Health and Safety Code Section 1597.45, small family day care homes (up to 8 children) and large family day care homes (up to 14 children) are treated as residential uses by right. Brentwood cannot require a conditional use permit, and the home must be licensed by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division.
Home Business: Day Care Home
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code § 1597.45 (Family Daycare Homes)
1597.45. (a) The use of a home as a small or large family daycare home shall be considered a residential use of property and a use by right for the purposes of all local ordinances, including, but not limited to, zoning ordinances. (b) A local jurisdiction shall not impose a business license, fee, or tax for the privilege of operating a small or large family daycare home. (c) Use of a home as a...
Looking for Contra Costa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Brentwood city rules.
Home Business in Contra Costa County →