5 rules for unincorporated Calaveras County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Calaveras County allows home occupations in any residential unit regardless of zoning district under Zoning Code Section 17.25.140. The use must stay entirely inside the dwelling, garage, or accessory structure, use no more than 33 percent of total floor area, and not change the property's residential appearance. Higher-intensity rural home industries need a use permit.
Home occupations in unincorporated Calaveras County may display a single, non-illuminated sign mounted on the residence, no larger than 12 inches high by 24 inches long, under Zoning Code Section 17.24.100. No other exterior indication of the business is allowed, keeping the property's residential appearance intact.
Calaveras County allows cottage food operations as a home occupation under Zoning Code Section 17.25.140(D). Operators register with the County Environmental Management Agency: a Class A direct-sales registration ($109) or a Class B direct-and-indirect-sales permit ($223). State law (HSC 113758) sets allowed foods and gross-sales caps.
California law (Health and Safety Code 1597.45, as amended by SB 234) preempts local zoning for family day care homes. Calaveras County treats both small (8 or fewer) and large (7-14) family day care homes as residential uses by right. The County may not require a business license, fee, or use permit, and its zoning code defines these homes by state-law size limits.
Calaveras County does not require a discretionary home occupation permit; home occupations are allowed by right under Zoning Code Section 17.25.140. A County business license is required where applicable. Operations must cap on-site clients at three, limit client hours, allow only one outside employee, and stay under 7.5 daily vehicle trips.
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