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CityRuleLookup

Business Licensing & Operations in Imperial County, CA (2026)

3 rules for unincorporated Imperial County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Imperial County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Adult Entertainment

Imperial County allows adult bookstores and adult movie theaters only in the C-2 medium commercial zone, and only with a conditional use permit: no zone in the unincorporated county permits them outright.

Imperial County Adult Business Use Permit

Significant Restrictions

Imperial County Code § 90513.02

The following uses are permitted in the C-2 Zone provided they meet the requirements of this Title: a)Adult book stores.b)Adult movie theater.

Tattoo & Body Modification

Imperial County requires tattoo and body art operators, fixed facilities, mobile units, practitioners, and event organizers, to hold an annual environmental health permit, each with its own fee.

Imperial County Tattoo & Body Art Permits

Some Restrictions

Imperial County Code § 8.02.040; § 8.02.070(C)

No person, corporation, association, firm, business or entity shall operate, perform, carry on, conduct or engage in any of the activities delineated in this section without obtaining a health permit and paying the fee listed in this section for the activity and obtaining a receipt therefore from the environmental health division.B.Non-transferable Permits. Permits described herein are not tran...

Auto Repair on Residential Property

Imperial County expressly bars car repair and small-engine repair from qualifying as a home occupation, alongside appliance repair, cabinet shops, and veterinary clinics: those uses need a standard commercial license and zone instead.

Imperial County Bars Home Auto Repair

Heavy Restrictions

Imperial County Code § 90404.02

Permitted home occupations do not and shall not be deemed to include any of the following or similar uses: A.Antique shop (repair or sales).B.Appliance repair.C.Barber or beauty shop.D.Cabinet making or woodworking.E.Car repair or small engine repair.F.Funeral chapel or funeral home.G.Gift shop.H.Medical or dental clinic, hospital.I.Renting of trailers, autos, trucks or motorcycles.J.Restaur...

All Imperial County ordinances

See every category we cover for Imperial County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Imperial County Ordinance Hub →