Home Occupation Permits: Ontario vs Rialto
How do home occupation permits rules compare between Ontario, CA and Rialto, CA?
Ontario and Rialto have similar restriction levels.
Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
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.
View full Ontario rules βRialto, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County Development Code Chapter 84.07 requires a Home Occupation Permit from Land Use Services before operating most home businesses in unincorporated areas, plus a business license.
View full Rialto rules βKey Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ontario | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| Permit type | Home occupation permit | - |
| Non-resident employees | Generally not allowed | - |
| Signage | Prohibited | - |
| Customer visits | Highly restricted | - |
| Business license | Also required | - |
| Issuing Office | - | Land Use Services Planning |
| Employees | - | Resident plus 1 non-resident max |
| Code | - | Dev. Code Ch. 84.07 |
| Scope | - | Unincorporated areas only |
| Also Required | - | Business license or tax cert |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Ontario FAQ
Can clients come to my Ontario home for appointments?
Client visits are typically prohibited or tightly limited to avoid generating extra traffic. Check with Planning for your specific business type.
Can I put a sign for my home business in the yard?
No. Home occupations may not display any exterior signage or advertising visible from the street or neighboring properties.
Rialto FAQ
How do I get a Home Occupation Permit in San Bernardino County?
Apply through Land Use Services Planning Division. Submit a site plan, business description, parking plan, and signed acknowledgment of the home occupation performance standards.
I live in a city inside the county - do I apply to the county?
No. Residents of incorporated cities apply to their own city planning and business license offices; the county issues home occupation permits only for unincorporated territory.
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