Home Occupation Permits: Costa Mesa vs Midway City
How do home occupation permits rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Midway City, CA?
Costa Mesa and Midway City have similar restriction levels.
Costa Mesa, CA
Orange County
Orange County's Zoning Code (Sec. 7-9-104) permits home occupations as an accessory use without listing a separate zoning permit, provided the standards are met. OC Planning issues use/occupancy permits when a property's use changes, and business licenses for unincorporated areas are handled by the Sheriff's Department.
View full Costa Mesa rules →Midway City, CA
Orange County
Orange County's Zoning Code (Sec. 7-9-104) permits home occupations as an accessory use without listing a separate zoning permit, provided the standards are met. OC Planning issues use/occupancy permits when a property's use changes, and business licenses for unincorporated areas are handled by the Sheriff's Department.
View full Midway City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Midway City |
|---|---|---|
| Zoning permit | No separate discretionary permit if Sec. 7-9-104 standards are met | No separate discretionary permit if Sec. 7-9-104 standards are met |
| Use/occupancy permit | Issued by OC Planning when a property's use changes | Issued by OC Planning when a property's use changes |
| Business license | Handled by OC Sheriff's Department in unincorporated areas | Handled by OC Sheriff's Department in unincorporated areas |
| Cottage food | Must follow State rules; no on-site sale of prepared foods (c)(1) | Must follow State rules; no on-site sale of prepared foods (c)(1) |
| Microenterprise kitchen | Per OC Health Care Agency rules if authorized (c)(2) | Per OC Health Care Agency rules if authorized (c)(2) |
| Agency | OC Development Services / OC Planning | OC Development Services / OC Planning |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Costa Mesa FAQ
Do I need a home occupation permit in unincorporated Orange County?
The Zoning Code (Sec. 7-9-104) does not require a separate discretionary home-occupation permit if you stay within the standards, but OC Planning issues a use/occupancy permit when a property's use changes. You should confirm with OC Development Services whether a use/occupancy clearance applies to your business.
Where do I get a business license for a home business in the unincorporated county?
Business licenses for unincorporated areas of Orange County are handled through the Sheriff's Department, not a city. If your property is inside a city's limits, that city regulates the business license instead.
Midway City FAQ
Do I need a home occupation permit in unincorporated Orange County?
The Zoning Code (Sec. 7-9-104) does not require a separate discretionary home-occupation permit if you stay within the standards, but OC Planning issues a use/occupancy permit when a property's use changes. You should confirm with OC Development Services whether a use/occupancy clearance applies to your business.
Where do I get a business license for a home business in the unincorporated county?
Business licenses for unincorporated areas of Orange County are handled through the Sheriff's Department, not a city. If your property is inside a city's limits, that city regulates the business license instead.
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