Merced, CA Home Business: Customer Traffic Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Minor home occupation clients
- Zero visits allowed
- Major home occupation clients
- 6 per day maximum
- Client visit hours
- 8 a.m.-8 p.m., weekdays only
- Business vehicle cap
- 2 vehicles in neighborhood
- Extra employee allowance
- 1, with added parking space
Summary
A minor home occupation in Merced cannot receive any clients or customers at all. A major home occupation may host up to six clients per day, but only between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, unless the site plan review committee approves otherwise. Every home occupation is also capped at two business-related vehicles parked in the neighborhood.
5.Vehicle Traffic. A home occupation shall not generate vehicle traffic greater than normally associated with a residential use. No more than two (2) vehicles associated with the business shall be parked in the immediate neighborhood. [...] B.2.Clients. No clients or customers are permitted to visit a minor home occupation. [...] C.2.Clients. Not more than six (6) clients per day may visit a major home occupation. Hours for visits shall be between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on weekdays only, unless otherwise approved by the site plan review committee.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 - 1-26).
Full Breakdown
on weekdays, and any deviation, weekend visits or later hours, needs approval from the site plan review committee. 040(A)(5): the business cannot generate more vehicle traffic than a normal residential use, and no more than two vehicles tied to the business may be parked in the immediate neighborhood at any time. 040(C)(1). 040(A)(6), and must not block circulation.
Violations & Fines
Hosting clients at a minor home occupation, exceeding six client visits a day or the weekday 8-to-8 window at a major home occupation without site plan review committee sign-off, or parking more than two business vehicles in the neighborhood are standards violations under Section 20.48.040; the Director of Development Services can suspend the home occupation certificate or Site Plan Review Permit for the resulting nuisance or hazard under Section 20.48.050.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can clients visit my home-based business in Merced?
How many clients per day can a major home occupation see?
How many vehicles can be parked for a Merced home business?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Merced
California rules heatmap·Compare Merced to another location·View the California home business overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.