Home Business in Santa Cruz County, CA (2026)

Santa Cruz County Code 13.10.700-H (Definitions: Home Occupation; Cottage Industry)

A home occupation is an accessory use, secondary to a residential use, for income-producing activities involving the manufacture, provision or sale of goods and/or services, performed by a full-time inhabitant of the unit, that does not affect the residential character of the property or neighborhood. Cottage industry means a type of home occupation involving construction and sales of primarily...

Santa Cruz County Code 13.10.613 and 13.10.321-326 (Home Occupation Signage in Residential and Agricultural Districts)

One unlighted sign not larger than one square foot may be attached to the house or the building. For properties with structures set back over 40 feet, attachment to the mailbox is permitted. One nonilluminated sign, not larger than one square foot in area, pertaining to a home occupation is among the signs allowed in R-1, RB, RR, RA, RM, A, AP, and CA Districts. Larger signage or any illuminate...

SCCC § 13.10.613(B)(5)

A home occupation involving personal services (e.g., hairdresser, barber shop, personal fitness trainer) or training (e.g., swimming lessons, musical instrument lessons, yoga classes, cooking classes, art lessons) may involve no more than two persons at a time, unless a conditional home occupation use permit is obtained.

SCCC § 13.10.613(B)(10); § 7.150.020(D); § 7.150.030(C)

13.10.613. Home occupations as secondary uses. ... (10) Cottage industries, including cottage food businesses, are allowed as home occupations if consistent with State law governing such operations and compliant with applicable requirements of the County's Environmental Health Services Division. [SCCC § 13.10.613(B)(10)] ... "Cottage food operation" means a home-based food service enterprise as...

Santa Cruz County Code Table 13.10.322-1 (Residential Uses Chart); § 13.10.700-D

Family day care home ... PA ... Serving up to 14 children (see § 13.10.700-D). Subject to § 13.10.613. "Day care home, family" means a dwelling in which an occupant provides care, protection, and supervision of up to 14 children, for periods of less than 24 hours a day, in accordance with a State license, and which meets the definition and land use regulations for large or small family day care...