Home Business in Ontario, CA (2026)
6 verified home business rules for Ontario, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning Restrictions
Ontario allows home-based businesses as home occupations under Development Code Title 9 with a home occupation permit. Work must be inside the home by residents only, with no neighborhood impact.
Ontario Home Occupation Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsSignage Rules
Ontario generally prohibits exterior signage for home occupations to preserve residential character. Home-based businesses cannot post storefront-style signs, window advertising, or illuminated signs on the dwelling.
Ontario Home Business Signage Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCustomer Traffic Restrictions
Ontario home occupations cannot generate customer or delivery traffic beyond a normal household. Walk-in services like salons, medical, retail, and auto repair are not allowed as home occupations.
Ontario Home Business Customer Traffic Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCottage Food Operations
Cottage Food Operations are legal in Ontario under AB 1616 and AB 1240 MEHKO. Class A and B CFOs register or permit through San Bernardino County Environmental Health, with state annual sales caps.
Ontario Cottage Food Operation Rules
Some RestrictionsHome Daycare
Ontario follows California law classifying small and large family daycare homes as residential uses. State statutes preempt most local zoning, but fire clearance and basic home-occupation registration still apply.
Daycare Home Rules in Ontario
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code § 1597.40 (Family Daycare Home Preemption)
Health and Safety Code - HSC. DIVISION 2. LICENSING PROVISIONS [1200 - 1796.88]. CHAPTER 3.6. Family Day Care Homes [1597.30 - 1597.622]. 1597.40. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature that family daycare homes for children should be situated in normal residential surroundings so as to give children the home environment that is conducive to healthy and safe development. It is the public polic...
Home Occupation Permits
Ontario requires a home occupation permit for any business run from a residence. The use must stay incidental to living there, with no customer traffic, signage, or exterior evidence of commercial activity.
Home Occupation Permits in Ontario
Some RestrictionsLooking for San Bernardino County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Ontario city rules.
Home Business in San Bernardino County →