6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Placer County, California.
Verified from official government sources
In unincorporated Placer County, home-based businesses are regulated as 'home occupations' under Placer County Code Section 17.56.120. Before operating, you must confirm with the Planning Services Division that the business type is allowed on your property, and home occupations may not operate out-of-doors or in any trailer or temporary structure.
Placer County Code § 17.56.120(C) (as summarized in the County's Home Occupation Questionnaire)
Note: home occupations shall not be permitted out-of-doors on the property or in any trailer or other temporary structure. ... One employee other than the actual residents of the dwelling may be engaged in the home occupation when operated from a single-family detached home ... unless the home occupation is located on at least 4.6 acres, in which case a maximum of two such employees may be perm...
Signs for a home occupation in unincorporated Placer County are governed by the home occupation standards in Placer County Code Section 17.56.120 (which includes sign provisions). The County's Home Occupation Questionnaire asks whether a sign will be placed on the property, and a separate sign permit may apply.
Placer County Planning Services Division - Sign Permit Handout (citing County Code §§ 17.54.170-17.54.200)
The complete Placer County Sign Ordinance (County Code Section 17.54.170 - 17.54.200) ... A sign permit is required for any free-standing or building sign in a commercial or industrial zone and most signs in a residential zone. ... Signs not exceeding twenty (20) square feet in aggregate area are permitted in Residential Agricultural zones when they are related to an agricultural activity.
Home occupations in unincorporated Placer 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 (home kitchens making approved low-risk foods like baked goods, jams and candy) in unincorporated Placer County must register/permit through Placer County Environmental Health. The program follows California's Cottage Food law (HSC 113758): Class A (direct sales) or Class B (direct and indirect sales).
Small (up to 8 children) and large (up to 14 children) family daycare homes are treated as a residential use 'by right' under California Health and Safety Code Sections 1597.45-1597.46. Placer County cannot require a zoning permit or business license to operate one, and since SB 234 (2020) cannot impose special spacing, parking, traffic or noise rules.
Anyone operating a business at a residence in unincorporated Placer County must obtain a business license under Placer County Code Chapter 5. For a home-based business the non-refundable application fee is $111, and a Home Occupation Questionnaire (referencing Code Section 17.56.120) must be submitted and cleared by County departments.
3 cities in Placer County have their own home business rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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