El Dorado County, CA Home Business: Home Occupation Permits (2026)

El Dorado County uses a three-track approval system for home businesses. (1) Land-use review: a home occupation that meets every standard in Section 130.40.160 is allowed by right in any zone permitting residential use; if any standard is exceeded, an Administrative Permit or Conditional Use Permit is required from the Planning Division. The County's BL 205 checklist (Treasurer-Tax Collector form, revised 11-8-24) confirms compliance with the home-occupation criteria before the Treasurer-Tax Collector issues a business license. (2) Business license: Title 5 of the County Code requires every person engaged in any calling, business, occupation, or profession in whole or in part within the unincorporated area to obtain a license and pay the annual fee, with the lowest-tier license starting at $32 per year (Treasurer-Tax Collector schedule). Home-based applications are routed differently from commercial: BL 100 confirms that all business license applications except approved home-based business applications must be approved by various county departments, meaning home occupations meeting the BL 205 checklist generally bypass that multi-department review. (3) Cottage food operators (CFOs) - home kitchens preparing non-potentially hazardous foods for direct sale - must also register (Class A, gross sales below $75,000) or obtain a permit (Class B, below $150,000) from the El Dorado County Environmental Management Department pursuant to HSC Section 114365, in addition to the Title 5 business license and Section 130.40.160 compliance. Childcare home businesses are governed separately by California licensing law (state preemption) and are not regulated as ordinary home occupations.