6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 9 cities in San Diego County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Home occupations in unincorporated San Diego County must be conducted within enclosed structures, maintain residential character, and not create a public nuisance. No business license is required in unincorporated areas, but zoning compliance is mandatory. Storage limited to 1,000 cubic feet.
Home occupations in unincorporated San Diego County are not permitted to display business signage. The operation must not be evident from the exterior of the residence. No signs, displays, or advertising visible from outside are allowed.
Home occupations in unincorporated San Diego County must not generate traffic or parking demand inconsistent with residential use. The business must not be detrimental to the neighborhood. No specific visitor caps are codified, but excessive traffic may trigger enforcement.
Cottage food operations are permitted in unincorporated San Diego County under California's Cottage Food Law (AB 1616 / Health & Safety Code §113758). Class A permits allow direct-to-consumer sales from home. Class B permits allow indirect sales (farmers markets, stores). Annual revenue cap of $75,000.
Home daycare in unincorporated San Diego County is regulated by California Community Care Licensing. Small family daycare (up to 8 children) is allowed by right in residential zones under state law. Large family daycare (9–14 children) may require a use permit. All require state licensing.
Unincorporated San Diego County allows home occupations as accessory residential uses under Section 6156 of the County Zoning Ordinance and PDS-304 standards. No discretionary permit is required if the use meets all standards: conducted entirely within the dwelling or attached garage, no exterior evidence, no on-premise sale of goods (except a permitted Cottage Food Operation under Health and Safety Code Section 114365), and no more than one non-resident employee. Uses that exceed these standards require a Minor Use Permit.
County of San Diego Planning & Development Services, Form PDS-304 Home Occupations (Rev. 11/2014), Zoning Ordinance § 6156.m
6156.m Home Occupations. Home occupations, including in-home offices, shall be permitted in compliance with the following conditions: 1. There shall be no exterior evidence of the conduct of a home occupation. 2. A home occupation shall be conducted entirely within a dwelling, or an attached garage. However, a Cottage Foods Operation, as defined by Health and Safety Code Sec...
9 cities in San Diego County have their own home business rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
5 verified rules • Cottage Food Operations, Customer Traffic Restrictions
5 verified rules • Cottage Food Operations, Customer Traffic Restrictions
5 verified rules • Cottage Food Operations, Customer Traffic Restrictions
5 verified rules • Cottage Food Operations, Customer Traffic Restrictions
6 verified rules • Cottage Food Operations, Customer Traffic Restrictions
5 verified rules • Cottage Food Operations, Customer Traffic Restrictions
5 verified rules • Cottage Food Operations, Customer Traffic Restrictions
6 verified rules • Cottage Food Operations, Customer Traffic Restrictions
6 verified rules • Cottage Food Operations, Customer Traffic Restrictions
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