Home Business in Davis, CA (2026)
6 verified home business rules for Davis, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning Restrictions
Davis permits home occupations in residential districts as a use secondary to the dwelling under Davis Municipal Code Section 40.26.150. No more than 25 percent of the area of one floor may be used, and the business must not change the residential character of the home or neighborhood.
Davis Home Occupations Allowed as Secondary Residential Use
Some RestrictionsSignage Rules
Davis prohibits advertising signs for home occupations. Under Davis Municipal Code Section 40.26.150, only one nameplate showing name and occupation, not exceeding one-half square foot in area, is permitted, and it must not change the residential character of the home.
Davis Home Occupation Sign Limited to Half-Foot Nameplate
Heavy RestrictionsCustomer Traffic Restrictions
Home occupations in Davis must not generate traffic, parking demand or deliveries beyond what is normal for a residence; significant customer visits can disqualify the use.
Home Business: Customer Traffic
Some RestrictionsCottage Food Operations
Cottage food operations in Davis are authorized by the California Homemade Food Act (Cal. Health and Safety Code Section 113758). Operators register or permit with Yolo County Environmental Health and must also meet the city's home-occupation and business-license requirements; the city cannot ban cottage food outright.
Davis Cottage Food Under California Homemade Food Act
Few RestrictionsHome Daycare
Family daycare homes in Davis are a residential use by right. Davis Municipal Code Section 40.26.270 requires no conditional use permit beyond a single-family residence and sets 75 square feet of outdoor space per child; state law (SB 234) further bars local zoning permits, business licenses, or business taxes.
Davis Family Daycare Homes Are Residential Use by Right
Few RestrictionsHome Occupation Permits
Davis requires a Home Occupation Permit plus a business license to operate a business from a residence. Standards limit outside help and floor area, and applicants with very low gross receipts may seek a conditional exemption from the business-license tax under Davis Municipal Code Article 19.
Davis Home Occupation Permit and Business License
Some RestrictionsLooking for Yolo County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Davis city rules.
Home Business in Yolo County →