Fontana vs San Bernardino
How do home occupation permits rules compare between Fontana, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Fontana and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Fontana requires a home occupation permit for any business conducted from a residence. The use must be incidental to residential use with no customer traffic, signage, or exterior evidence of the business.
View full Fontana rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino requires a Home Occupation Permit and business license for any business run from a residence. Activity must stay clearly incidental to the home with no outside employees or customer traffic.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Permit type | Home occupation permit | - |
| Non-resident employees | Typically zero or one | - |
| Signage | Prohibited | - |
| Customer visits | Highly restricted | - |
| Business license | Also required | - |
| Permit | - | Home Occupation Permit required |
| Floor Area Cap | - | 25 percent of dwelling |
| Employees | - | Residents only |
| Business License | - | Required annually |
| Planning Contact | - | (909) 384-5122 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fontana FAQ
Can clients come to my Fontana home for appointments?
Client visits are typically prohibited or tightly limited to avoid generating additional traffic. Check with Planning for your specific business type.
Can I put a sign for my business in my front yard?
No. Home occupations may not display exterior signage or advertising visible from the street.
San Bernardino FAQ
Can I see clients at my San Bernardino home office?
Only in limited numbers that do not generate traffic beyond normal residential levels. Frequent client visits or multiple simultaneous appointments are not allowed under a Home Occupation Permit and may require a full commercial zoning application.
Do I need a business license for an online-only home business?
Yes. San Bernardino requires a business license for any business operated from an address in the city, including e-commerce and remote consulting. A Home Occupation Permit is typically required alongside the license.
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