Home Business in Lodi, CA (2026)
6 verified home business rules for Lodi, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning Restrictions
Lodi allows home-based businesses in residential zones only as a secondary use, and a Home Occupation Permit must be obtained from the Planning Division under LMC §17.36.060 before operating.
Home Occupation Permit required; secondary use only
Some RestrictionsSignage Rules
Lodi prohibits any advertising sign for a home occupation. Only a single nameplate not exceeding one square foot, attached flush to a wall of the structure, is allowed under LMC §17.36.060(C)(4).
One 1 sq. ft. nameplate flush to wall; no advertising signs
Heavy RestrictionsCustomer Traffic Restrictions
Lodi prohibits client visits to a home occupation except in live/work units, tutoring of children by appointment, and applicants with a documented mobility handicap. No employees other than full-time residents are allowed.
No on-site clients except limited exceptions; no non-resident employees
Heavy RestrictionsCottage Food Operations
California's Homemade Food Act (Cal. Health & Safety Code §113758, AB 1616) authorizes Class A and Class B Cottage Food Operations from a private home. In Lodi, applicants register with San Joaquin County Environmental Health and file a Home Occupation Permit for the residential-use component.
Cottage Food Operations allowed under state law with county registration/permit
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code Section 113758
(a) “Cottage food operation” means an enterprise that has no more than the amount in gross annual sales that is specified in this subdivision, is operated by a cottage food operator, and has no more than one full-time equivalent cottage food employee, not including a family member or household member of the cottage food operator, within the registered or permitted area of a private home where t...
Home Daycare
Under Cal. Health & Safety Code §1597.40 (SB 234, 2019), small (up to 8 children) and large (up to 14 children) family daycare homes are a residential use by right in Lodi. The City cannot require a zoning permit, business license, or business tax to operate one.
Family daycare homes are a residential use by right — state preemption
Few RestrictionsHome Occupation Permits
Lodi requires a Home Occupation Permit for any business operated from a residence under LMC 17.36.060. The home occupation must remain secondary to the residential use, with no employees coming to the home, no signage, and no customer traffic that disrupts the neighborhood.
Lodi Home Occupation Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsLooking for San Joaquin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lodi city rules.
Home Business in San Joaquin County →