Zoning Restrictions: Palm Springs vs Riverside
How do zoning restrictions rules compare between Palm Springs, CA and Riverside, CA?
Palm Springs and Riverside have similar restriction levels.
Palm Springs, CA
Riverside County
Home occupations are allowed as accessory uses in all residential zones under PSMC Title 9 (Zoning) provided they are clearly incidental, conducted entirely indoors, generate no customer traffic, employ no non-resident workers, and have no external evidence. Short-term rental operation is regulated separately and is NOT a home occupation.
View full Palm Springs rules →Riverside, CA
Riverside County
City of Riverside allows home occupations in residential zones as an accessory use, but they require a Home Occupation Permit (administrative approval) under RMC Chapter 19.485 and must remain incidental and secondary to the dwelling's residential use.
View full Riverside rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Palm Springs | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Code chapter | - | RMC Chapter 19.485 (Home Occupations) |
| Permit required | - | Yes — Home Occupation Permit from CEDD Planning |
| Business license required | - | Yes — separate Business Tax Certificate from Finance Dept. |
| Max non-resident employees | - | 1 (excluding babysitters/domestic staff) |
| Vehicles | - | Max one vehicle larger than 3/4-ton truck; no commercial delivery vehicles except courier |
| Issuing department | - | CEDD Planning Division |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Palm Springs FAQ
Riverside FAQ
Do I need a permit to run a business from my home in Riverside?
Yes. RMC §19.485.020 requires a Home Occupation Permit from the City's Community & Economic Development Department before any gainful employment is conducted in a dwelling unit. You also need a separate City of Riverside Business Tax Certificate from the Finance Department (apply online at riverside.hdlgov.com or call (951) 826-5465).
Can I have employees come to my house in Riverside?
Only one non-resident employee at a time may work, gather, or congregate on the premises in connection with a Riverside home occupation (RMC §19.485.040). Babysitters and domestic staff are excluded from the count. The use must not generate pedestrian or vehicular traffic beyond what is normal for the residence.
What if my home business doesn't fit the Chapter 19.485 list?
RMC §19.485.030 lists permitted home occupations, and §19.485.050 governs modifications. Activities that exceed the standards — frequent customer visits, retail sales on site, outdoor storage, hazardous materials, or operations that would change the residential character — are not permitted as home occupations and would require a different zoning designation or a Conditional Use Permit under RMC Chapter 19.730.
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