6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 5 cities in Santa Clara County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Santa Clara County allows home occupations in residential zones as an accessory use when clearly incidental to the dwelling, operated by a resident, and limited to 25 percent of floor area.
Santa Clara County prohibits exterior signs, window displays, and any visible indication of a home-based business. Home occupations must preserve the residential appearance of the property.
Santa Clara County home occupations must generate no more traffic, parking, or deliveries than normal residential use. Appointment-only visits and residential-scale deliveries only.
Santa Clara County follows California Cottage Food Law (AB 1616, AB 1240) allowing home preparation of approved non-hazardous foods. Class A sells direct; Class B allows indirect sales.
California H and S Code 1597.40 preempts local zoning for family daycare homes, requiring Santa Clara County to treat licensed family childcare as residential use. State licenses the operators.
Cal. Health & Safety Code § 1597.40
(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that family daycare homes for children should be situated in normal residential surroundings so as to give children the home environment that is conducive to healthy and safe development. It is the public policy of this state to provide children in a family daycare home the same home environment as provided in a traditional home setting. (b) The Legislatu...
Unincorporated Santa Clara County does not require a standalone home occupation permit for low-impact businesses, but operators must meet zoning performance standards. Cities have their own permits.
5 cities in Santa Clara County have their own home business rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
2 verified rules • Cottage Food Operations, Home Occupation Permits
6 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
6 verified rules • Cottage Food Operations, Customer Traffic Restrictions
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