6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Kern County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Kern County Zoning Ordinance § 19.94.040 limits home occupations to 25% of the gross area of one floor of the residence (or equivalent accessory building space), restricts work to occupants of the residence, prohibits outside storage, requires appointment-only operation, and caps business vehicles at five tons. The use must remain compatible with the residential character of the neighborhood.
Kern County Zoning Ordinance § 19.94.040 (Minimum Standards)
1. The home occupation shall be conducted solely by the occupants of the residence, except as permitted by AB 1616. 2. Not more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the gross area of one (1) floor of a residence, or equivalent area in an enclosed detached accessory building, shall be used for such purpose. ... 5. The home occupation shall be conducted by appointment only. ... 10. Vehicles required...
Kern County prohibits all home occupation signs in unincorporated areas. Under § 19.94.040(9), 'No sign shall be permitted, other than the clearly posted address of the home.' The County's official application materials reinforce that 'no advertising signs are permitted on the property' for any home-based business.
Kern County Zoning Ordinance § 19.94.040(9) (Minimum Standards — Signs)
No sign shall be permitted, other than the clearly posted address of the home.
Home occupations in unincorporated Kern County must be run by appointment only and solely by residents of the home. Freight deliveries beyond normal residential frequency are prohibited, and on-site sales are limited to products made on the premises.
Kern County Zoning Ordinance Section 19.94.040
19.94.040 MINIMUM STANDARDS. A home occupation shall comply with the following minimum standards: A. The home occupation shall be conducted solely by the occupants of the residence. B. Not more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the gross area of one (1) floor of a residence, or equivalent area in an enclosed detached accessory building, shall be used for such purpose, including storage space re...
Kern County residents can sell approved low-risk homemade foods as cottage food operations. Class A operations register with Kern County Public Health for direct sales; Class B operations need a permit and may also sell through stores and restaurants.
Cal. Health and Safety Code Section 114365
(a)(1)(A) A 'Class A' cottage food operation shall not be open for business unless it is registered with the local enforcement agency [and submits] a completed, self-certification checklist approved by the local enforcement agency. ... (C)(i) Except as provided in clause (ii), a 'Class A' cottage food operation shall not be subject to initial or routine inspections. ... (D) A 'Class A' cottage ...
Kern County Chapter 19.96 sets development standards and a Planning Director permit process for large family day-care homes serving up to 14 children, though California law now treats family daycare homes as a residential use by right.
Kern County Zoning Ordinance Section 19.96.020
19.96.020 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS. Large family day-care homes shall comply with the following standards: A. An operating license, if required, shall be obtained through the State Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division, prior to or concurrently with obtaining a permit pursuant to this chapter. The applicant shall comply with all applicable State and County regulations in...
Unincorporated Kern County requires a ministerial Home Occupation Permit from the Planning and Natural Resources Department before any business activity may be conducted from a residential dwelling. The one-time filing fee is $50 and applications are typically processed within one to two weeks with no public hearing required.
Kern County Zoning Ordinance Chapter 19.94 (Home Occupations); § 19.94.050 (Home Occupation Permit—Required); Form 606 (Planning & Natural Resources Dept.)
There is a one-time filing fee for processing the Home Occupation Permit. The fee is $50, and it is required at the time the application is submitted. Because no public hearings are required for consideration of a Home Occupation Permit, applications are normally processed within one to two weeks. Although Home Occupation Permits are valid as long as the business operates from the property, the...
2 cities in Kern County have their own home business rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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