6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Monterey County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Monterey County Code 21.64.090 (inland) and 20.64.090 (coastal) allow home occupations by right in residential and farmland districts, but limit them to a resident-run, indoor business using equipment normally found in the home, with no outside employees, no noxious odors or fumes, and no increase in neighborhood noise or traffic.
Monterey County Code 20.64.090(C) (Home Occupations - Regulations)
1. ...occupations using facilities, equipment and materials normally found in the home... 2. No persons other than the resident and immediate family residing on site may be employed. 3. All facets of the home occupation must be contained in the residence or inside structures on-site. 4. [No] production of noxious or toxic odors or fumes... no increase... of noise or traffic levels above those o...
Monterey County Code 20.64.090 / 21.64.090 prohibits any advertising for a home occupation on the property. Residential parcels may display only a nameplate-and-address sign under the County sign rules, and that sign may not be used to advertise a home-based business.
Monterey County Code 20.64.090(C)(5) (Home Occupations - Regulations)
5. There shall be no advertising for the home occupation allowed on the property.
Home occupations in unincorporated Monterey County must not generate traffic, parking demand or deliveries beyond what is normal for a residence; significant customer visits can disqualify the use.
Cottage food operations in unincorporated Monterey County are allowed under California's Homemade Food Act. State law (Government Code 51035) bars the County from prohibiting them in a residence and requires classifying them as a permitted residential use. Class A operations register and Class B operations get a permit and inspection through County Environmental Health.
Under California SB 234, small (up to 8 children) and large (up to 14 children) family daycare homes are a residential use by right in unincorporated Monterey County. The County cannot require a zoning permit, business license, or fee, and cannot apply parking, noise, spacing or sign rules that do not apply to all homes in the same zone. Operators must hold a state license.
Monterey County does not issue a separate home occupation permit. A home-based business that meets all five standards in Section 21.64.090 / 20.64.090 is allowed by right in residential and farmland districts. A County business license/tax certificate and any state licenses still apply, and a deviation from the standards requires an Administrative Permit.
Monterey County Code 21.30.030(N) (Farmlands District - Uses Allowed)
N. Home occupations, pursuant to Section 21.64.090;
2 cities in Monterey County have their own home business rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Monterey County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Monterey County Ordinance Hub →