Home Business in Fresno, CA (2026)
6 verified home business rules for Fresno, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning Restrictions
Home occupations are permitted in all Fresno residential zones as an accessory use under FMC §15-2739 subject to operational standards: the business must be clearly secondary to residential use, no more than one non-resident employee, limited customer traffic, and no outside storage. A Home Occupation Permit and Business Tax Certificate are required before operating.
Home Business Zoning in Fresno
Some RestrictionsSignage Rules
FMC §15-2739 restricts home occupation signage to one non-illuminated name plate no larger than 2 square feet mounted flat against the dwelling. Yard signs, pole signs, and window neon are prohibited for home occupations. Real estate and political signs are separately regulated and not restricted by the home occupation rules.
Home Business Signage in Fresno
Heavy RestrictionsCustomer Traffic Restrictions
FMC §15-2739 limits home-occupation customer traffic to no more than four client trips per day, generally one client at a time, between 7 AM and 9 PM. Deliveries and pickups by commercial carriers must also not exceed the daily limit and are restricted to standard business hours. Excessive traffic is a top-three cause of Home Occupation Permit revocation.
Home Business Customer Traffic in Fresno
Some RestrictionsCottage Food Operations
California Cottage Food Law (AB 1616 and AB 1144, codified at H&S §114365) allows certain non-potentially-hazardous foods to be prepared in a home kitchen and sold directly or indirectly. Fresno cottage food operators must register with the Fresno County Environmental Health Division (Class A) or obtain a permit with inspection (Class B). Gross annual sales capped at $150,000.
Cottage Food Rules in Fresno
Some RestrictionsHome Daycare
California Government Code §§1596.78 et seq. preempts local zoning for small (up to 8 children) and large (up to 14 children) family daycare homes, treating them as residential use. Fresno cannot require a conditional use permit or additional parking for state-licensed family daycares, but must allow them in all residential zones with a state license.
Home Daycare Rules in Fresno
Few RestrictionsHome Occupation Permits
Fresno requires a Home Occupation Permit (HOP) under FMC §15-2739 for most home-based businesses, plus a Business Tax Certificate from Finance under FMC Chapter 7. HOP applications are reviewed administratively by Planning, typically within 2-4 weeks, with an application fee of roughly $100-$200.
Home Occupation Permits in Fresno
Some RestrictionsLooking for Fresno County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fresno city rules.
Home Business in Fresno County →