5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Solano County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Unincorporated Solano County allows home occupations as an accessory residential use under Zoning Code Chapter 28. Section 28.72.40 defines Type I home occupations (no employees, no customers on site) and Type II home occupations (limited employees, customers, and retail), each with floor-area and operating limits.
Solano County Code § 28.72.40 (Type II Home Occupations)
Not more than 10 customers or clients shall come to the premises during any one day ... one employee shall be permitted when the property on which the home occupation is located is a minimum of two net acres in size.
Unincorporated Solano County limits home occupation signs under Zoning Code Section 28.72.40. A Type I home occupation generally permits no on-site signage advertising the business, while a Type II home occupation allows one small non-illuminated sign no larger than about two square feet.
Solano County Code § 28.72.40 (Type II Home Occupations - signage)
one nonilluminated sign not exceeding two square feet
Cottage food operations are allowed in unincorporated Solano County, governed by California's Cottage Food law (Health & Safety Code 113758, AB-1616). Operators register or permit through Solano County Environmental Health as a Class A (direct sales) or Class B (direct and indirect sales) operation from their home kitchen.
By California state law (SB 234, Health & Safety Code 1597.45), unincorporated Solano County cannot require a zoning permit or business license for a small or large family daycare home - both are a residential use by right. The home is licensed by the California Department of Social Services, and large homes need a local fire clearance.
Before a home-based business can get a Solano County business license, the owner must obtain a Business License Zoning Clearance from Planning Services confirming the use complies with Zoning Code Section 28.72.40. There is no fee for the zoning clearance, but a site plan and a short site inspection are required.
3 cities in Solano County have their own home business rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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