Merced County, CA Home Business: Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Section 18.60.080 of Merced County's Title 18 Zoning Code provides that in zones where permitted, home occupations require review and approval of a Zoning Clearance subject to specific standards. The operation must be carried out by household residents, with the exception of one nonresident employee, and may not change the residential character of the neighborhood. Vehicles related to the home occupation may not exceed a typical utility car, van, or pickup truck, and no more than one vehicle specifically advertising the home occupation is permitted. Merchandise may not be publicly displayed, there may be no mechanical equipment beyond domestic or hobby use, and the work area, including storage, is limited to the lesser of 250 square feet or 25 percent of the living space, fully enclosed within the structure, with no outside storage. The home occupation may not create noise or odors above typical neighborhood levels or generate traffic beyond what is normal in a residential area. The code also lists an Exempt Home Occupations category: businesses involving only the use of a phone, computer, printer, copier, fax, and/or internet, where no one comes to the site, there is no manufacturing or shipping other than letters, and there are no on-site signs. These uses are considered practically invisible to neighbors and are exempt from the Home Occupation requirement, but the operator still must obtain a Business License from the County.