Alameda, CA Home Business: Home Occupation Permits (2026)

The City of Alameda requires a Home Occupation Registration for all businesses conducted from a residence, and it must be completed prior to the business license application. The registration is filed with the Planning, Building and Transportation Department's Permit Center (2263 Santa Clara Avenue, Room 190) and references Alameda Municipal Code §30-4.1b and §30-2 (Ordinance No. 1277 N.S.). The registration is valid for the life of the business at the registered address and includes a one-time processing fee. By registering, the operator confirms the home occupation meets the city's standards: the use must be incidental to the residential use, may occupy no more than 50% of the floor space, may have no more than six customers on site at one time, and may not convert a required-parking garage to business use without a separate Use Permit and public hearing. Applications may be submitted to the Permit Center at City Hall or online through the city's permit portal. A home occupation that cannot meet the standards — for example, one needing employees beyond the household, heavier traffic, or use of a garage/accessory building — may require a discretionary Use Permit with a public hearing rather than a simple registration.