5 rules for unincorporated Modoc County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Unincorporated Modoc County allows home-based business as a 'home occupation' accessory to a dwelling under Title 18. A 'limited home occupation' is permitted by right under Section 18.100.010(D)(5) if it meets strict criteria; a larger 'home occupation' requires a use permit under Section 18.100.030(D). The activity must stay inside the dwelling or accessory building with no outdoor storage or activity.
For a home occupation in unincorporated Modoc County, signage is tightly limited. Under Section 18.100.010(D)(5)(c) and the home-occupation definition (Section 18.06.510), the only advertising allowed on the premises is one nameplate no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches, attached flush to the dwelling or accessory building. General sign rules are in Section 18.110.070.
Cottage food operations in unincorporated Modoc County are governed by California's Homemade Food Act (AB 1616) and the California Retail Food Code, administered locally by Modoc County Environmental Health. The county registers Class A operators and permits Class B operators (with a home-kitchen inspection). Cottage food is a home occupation under zoning (Title 18), so the home-occupation standards also apply.
Both small and large family day care homes are permitted by right in unincorporated Modoc County. Section 18.100.010(D)(3) lets the principal dwelling be used as a family day care home, and California law (Health & Safety Code 1597.45 / SB 234) classifies family day care as a residential use by right. Only one 6-inch by 12-inch nameplate is allowed.
In unincorporated Modoc County, a 'limited home occupation' that meets all of the Section 18.100.010(D)(5) criteria is allowed by right with no use permit. A larger 'home occupation' that exceeds those limits requires a use permit under Section 18.100.030(D), processed by the Planning Department under Chapter 18.128, with fees set by the Board of Supervisors.
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