Santa Clara County, CA Home Business: Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Under Zoning Ordinance Section 4.10.180, a General home occupation that complies with the listed standards is treated as a permitted accessory use rather than requiring a discretionary use permit. Any person who wants an official written determination that a particular use qualifies as a General home occupation may request an interpretation from the zoning administrator (Section 4.10.180.B). That request requires completing a home-occupation questionnaire and submitting it to the planning office along with a filing fee set by the Board of Supervisors. The zoning administrator reviews the materials, may arrange a site inspection, and may impose specific conditions to mitigate impacts on neighbors, with the Section 4.10.180.A criteria serving as minimum conditions of approval. A dissatisfied applicant may appeal to the Planning Commission within 15 calendar days, accompanied by a fee; the Planning Commission's decision is final. Expanded home occupations (Section 4.10.180.C) are intended for suitable locations on lots of one acre or larger and carry additional standards, including the 1,200-square-foot work-area cap, one full-time nonresident employee, and 600 square feet of screened outdoor storage. Applicants should confirm current questionnaire and appeal fees with the Department of Planning and Development.