Home Business in Palm Desert, CA (2026)
4 verified home business rules for Palm Desert, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning & Home Occupation Permits
In the City of Palm Desert, California, a home business needs a home-based business permit from the Director in every residential zoning district. The permittee must live at the dwelling, and the business must stay inside the enclosed living area or garage and within 25 percent of the combined floor area of the house and garage.
Home Occupation Zoning and Permit Rules in Palm Desert
Some RestrictionsPalm Desert Municipal Code § 25.34.020
B. Applicability. ... Home occupations are permitted in all residential zoning districts, subject to compliance with the standards of this section and other relevant requirements of this title. C. Permit requirements and procedures. Establishment and operation of a home-based business shall require approval of a home-based business permit processed by the Director in accordance with this sectio...
Signage Rules
In the City of Palm Desert, California, a home-based business cannot display any sign other than the address and name of the resident. The code also bars displays, outdoor storage, parked vehicles, or other exterior evidence of business activity, so the house must still look like a residence.
Home Business Sign Limits in Palm Desert
Some RestrictionsPalm Desert Municipal Code § 25.34.020
4. There shall be no signs, displays, outdoor storage, parked vehicles, or other exterior evidence of business activity. Neither the dwelling nor the lot shall be altered in appearance so that it appears other than a residence, either by color, materials, construction, lighting, sounds, vibrations, or other characteristics. ... 6. There shall be no signs other than the address and name of the r...
Customer Traffic Restrictions
In the City of Palm Desert, California, a home-based business cannot generate pedestrian or vehicular traffic above what is customary for its zone. Contact is primarily by phone, mail, or electronic means, instruction is capped at 6 students at any 1 time, and on-site retail or display of goods is prohibited.
Home Business Customer Traffic Limits in Palm Desert
Some RestrictionsPalm Desert Municipal Code § 25.34.020
The primary means of contact must be by phone, mail, or other electronic form of communication. ... Maximum number of students at any 1 time shall be limited to 6. ... 5. On-site retail, wholesale, consignment sale, or any activity that involves sales or display of equipment, merchandise, or other commodities on the site. ... 8. The home-based business shall not generate pedestrian or vehicular...
Home Daycare
In the City of Palm Desert, California, a large family day care home is allowed inside a single-family or multifamily residence in a residential zoning district with no City land use permits or clearances. Municipal Code § 25.10.040(F) requires the operator to hold the appropriate California Department of Social Services license before the home starts operating.
Large Family Day Care Homes in the City of Palm Desert, CA
Few RestrictionsPalm Desert Municipal Code § 25.10.040
F. Large family day care. Allowed within a single-family or multifamily residence located in a residential zoning district with no City land use permits or clearances required per state law. All appropriate licensing from the California Department of Social Services shall be obtained prior to commencing operation of any large family day care home in the City.
Looking for Riverside County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Palm Desert city rules.
Home Business in Riverside County →