Home Business in Sacramento County, CA (2026)

6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 7 cities in Sacramento County, California.

Verified from official government sources

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

Zoning Restrictions

Unincorporated Sacramento County allows home occupations as accessory uses in residential zones under Title 22 Zoning Code. Operations must be clearly incidental to residential use with no outward evidence of business activity.

Home Business: Zoning

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Signage Rules

Home occupations in unincorporated Sacramento County may not display signs or other outward evidence of business activity. Commercial signage is prohibited on residential properties operating under a home occupation permit.

Home Business: Signage

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Customer Traffic Restrictions

Home occupations in unincorporated Sacramento County are limited to minimal customer visits and may not generate traffic, parking demand, or deliveries greater than normal residential use. Most businesses must operate without on-site clients.

Home Business: Customer Traffic

Heavy Restrictions

California Health and Safety Code § 1597.45

(a) The use of a home as a small or large family daycare home shall be considered a residential use of property and a use by right for the purposes of all local ordinances, including, but not limited to, zoning ordinances. (b) A local jurisdiction shall not impose a business license, fee, or tax for the privilege of operating a small or large family daycare home. (c) Use of a home as a small or...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Cottage Food Operations

Cottage Food Operations are legal in unincorporated Sacramento County under AB 1616 and AB 1240. Registration or permitting through Sacramento County Environmental Management Department is required, and sales are capped at 150,000 dollars annually (Class B).

Home Business: Cottage Food

Few Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Home Daycare

Sacramento County allows small (up to 8 children) and large (up to 14) family daycare homes by right in residential zones under CA HSC 1597.30 state preemption.

Home Business: Daycare Home

Few Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Home Occupation Permits

Sacramento County requires a Home Occupation Permit for businesses operated from a dwelling. Zoning Code 5.9.2 sets strict conditions on employees, signage, and customer visits.