Home Business in Concord, CA (2026)
5 verified home business rules for Concord, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning Restrictions
Concord Development Code Section 18.200.100 allows home-based businesses as an accessory use in any residential zone only if the activity is conducted entirely inside the principal dwelling or a permitted enclosed accessory structure, occupies no more than 20 percent of the dwelling's habitable square footage, employs only residents plus at most one nonresident, and admits no on-site clients except up to six individual students. Automotive service, beauty salons, barber shops, and any cannabis business are categorically prohibited.
Concord Development Code 18.200.100 - Accessory Use in Residential Zones
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Concord, Home-Based Business Permit and Acknowledgement Form (Rev. July 1, 2019) reproducing Concord Development Code Section 18.200.100
1. Prohibited Home-Based Businesses: Automotive service, diagnosis, or repair to vehicles, other large machinery or equipment, or large appliances of others; Beauty salons and barber shops; cannabis business or commercial activity. 2. Location. The home-based business shall be conducted entirely within the principal dwelling, within an enclosed structure attached to the dwelling, or within a le...
Signage Rules
Concord Development Code Section 18.200.100, paragraph 8 (Appearance), bars any exterior indication that a home-based business is operating on the property, including commercial advertising signs and window displays. The residential appearance of the home must be maintained, and there is no variance pathway under the Development Code that would allow on-site identification of a home occupation.
Concord Bans All Exterior Signs and Window Displays for Home Businesses
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Concord, Home-Based Business Permit and Acknowledgement Form (Rev. July 1, 2019) reproducing Concord Development Code Section 18.200.100(8) and (11)
8. Appearance. The residential appearance of the property at which the home-based-business is conducted shall be maintained, and no exterior indication of a home-based-business shall be permitted, including commercial advertising signs or window displays. 11. Nuisances. No home-based-business shall be conducted in a manner which creates a public nuisance under state law or under the development...
Customer Traffic Restrictions
Home occupations in Concord must limit in-person customer visits to avoid disrupting the residential neighborhood. Typical standards allow a small number of clients per day by appointment only. Retail sales from the home and walk-in customer traffic are prohibited.
Home Business: Customer Traffic
Some RestrictionsHome Daycare
California Health & Safety Code 1597.40-1597.465 preempts local regulation of licensed family day care homes. Concord must treat small (up to 8 children) and large (up to 14 children) family day care homes as a residential use by right, subject only to state-mandated standards. Operators need a Community Care Licensing (CCL) license and a Concord Business License, but no conditional use permit, special zoning approval, or extra local fees.
Home Business: Day Care Home
Few RestrictionsHome Occupation Permits
Every Concord home-based business must obtain both a City Business License from the Finance Department and a separate Home-Based Business Permit from the Planning Division certifying compliance with Concord Development Code Section 18.200.100. The Home-Based Business permit carries a $53.00 non-refundable fee and must be signed and acknowledged by the operator before the activity begins.
Concord Requires a Home-Based Business Permit Plus Business License
Some RestrictionsCity of Concord, Home-Based Business Permit and Acknowledgement Form (Rev. July 1, 2019), Community Development Department - Planning Division
Home-based businesses are permitted as an accessory use to the residential use of any property provided it complies with the requirements of Development Code Section 18.200.100 listed below. By signing this form, the home-based business owner acknowledges that the business is accessory to the property's use as a residence, that it will comply with the criteria stated herein, and that any violat...
Looking for Contra Costa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Concord city rules.
Home Business in Contra Costa County →