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Home Business in Monterey, CA (2026)

4 verified home business rules for Monterey, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Zoning & Home Occupation Permits

Monterey treats home occupations as principally permitted uses in every residential zone, but caps employment at two residents, bars hazardous materials and outdoor work, and requires zoning review for any new or expanded home business under Section 38-108.

Monterey Home Occupation Zoning Rules

Some Restrictions

Monterey City Code § 38-108

A. Purpose.The purpose of the home occupation provision is to allow for minor business activities in residences in such a manner that is compatible with their neighborhood. B. Conditions.Home occupations are principally permitted uses subject to the following conditions: 1.No person other than a resident of the dwelling unit shall be engaged or employed in the home occupation and the number...

Signage Rules

Monterey allows no sign of any kind for a home occupation on the house or property, and separately bars any advertisement, print, broadcast, or social media, from listing the home's street address.

Monterey Bans Home Business Signs

Heavy Restrictions

Monterey City Code § 38-108(B)(3)

3.No sign for the home occupation shall be displayed on the house or property. ... 4.No advertisement shall be placed in any media (including, but not limited to, newspaper, magazine, telephone directory, radio, television, social media) containing the address of the property.

Customer Traffic Restrictions

Monterey requires a home occupation to avoid creating significant additional vehicular or pedestrian traffic to the residence, and it cannot occupy the driveway or garage space set aside for the household's required off-street parking.

Monterey Home Business Traffic Limits

Some Restrictions

Monterey City Code § 38-108(B)(2)

B. Conditions.Home occupations are principally permitted uses subject to the following conditions: ... 2.A home occupation shall not create significant additional vehicular or pedestrian traffic to the residence. ... 7.The conduct of any home occupation shall not reduce or render unusable areas provided for the required off-street parking for the residents nor prevent the number of cars intende...

Home Daycare

Running a large-family day care home in a Monterey residence needs a Planning Commission Use Permit good for three years, a 10,000-square-foot minimum lot, a fenced outdoor play area and extra off-street parking for staff and pickup.

Monterey Requires a Use Permit for Large Family Daycare

Significant Restrictions

Monterey City Code § 38-26(J)

J. Large-Family Day Care Homes.The following supplemental regulations shall apply to the operation of large-family day care homes. ... 2. Use Permit Required.A use permit, issued by the Planning Commission, shall be required to operate a large-family day care home. The permit shall expire three years after the date of issuance or if the care giver’s State license to operate a family day care ho...

Looking for Monterey County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Monterey city rules.

Home Business in Monterey County