6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Tulare County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Home occupations in unincorporated Tulare County are regulated by the County Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance No. 352, codified in the Tulare County Ordinance Code). A home occupation must be clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use of the dwelling and must not change the residential character of the property. The RMA Planning Division administers zoning compliance.
Tulare County Zoning Ordinance No. 352, Chapter 3, § 15.A.7.a (Permitted Home Occupations)
In all residential and agricultural zones home occupations in compliance with the following regulations are permitted as accessory uses and no special use permit shall be required in order to establish and maintain such uses: (1) A home occupation shall be conducted within a dwelling and shall be clearly incidental to the use of the structure as a dwelling. ... (5) No advertising display signs ...
Signage for home occupations in unincorporated Tulare County is tightly limited by the County Zoning Ordinance (No. 352). A home occupation must not change the residential character of the property, which restricts outward commercial signage. Sign rules are administered by the RMA Planning Division, and any commercial sign generally requires zoning review or a permit.
Tulare County Zoning Ordinance No. 352, Chapter 3, § 15.A.7.a(4)-(5), § 15.A.7.b(5), § 15.A.7.c(4)
(4) There shall be no change in the outside appearance of the dwelling or premises or any visible evidence of the conduct of a home occupation. (5) No advertising display signs shall be permitted. ... [Urban] (5) There shall be no visible evidence of the conduct of an urban home occupation other than one (1) non-illuminated name plate not to exceed two (2) square feet in area mounted flat again...
Home occupations in unincorporated Tulare County must not generate traffic, parking demand or deliveries beyond what is normal for a residence; significant customer visits can disqualify the use.
Cottage food operations in unincorporated Tulare County follow the California Homemade Food Act (Health & Safety Code 113758, AB-1616). County Environmental Health registers Class A operations and permits/inspects Class B operations. State law treats compliant cottage food as an allowed home activity: Class A is capped at $75,000 and Class B at $150,000 in gross annual sales.
Family day care homes in unincorporated Tulare County are governed by California state law, which preempts local zoning. Under the Child Day Care Act (HSC 1597 et seq.; SB 234), small and large (up to 14 children) family day care homes are a residential use by right. The County cannot require a use permit or business license for one.
A home occupation in unincorporated Tulare County must comply with the home-occupation standards of the County Zoning Ordinance (No. 352). The use must be incidental and secondary to the residence, limit non-resident employees and household-incompatible equipment, and avoid commercial signage. Compliance and any required clearance are handled by the RMA Planning Division.
2 cities in Tulare County have their own home business rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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