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

Under CMC 21.10.040, a home occupation may be conducted as an accessory use to a residence in any residential zone, subject to specific standards. No person may commence a home occupation or Cottage Food Operation without first obtaining a city business license under CMC Title 5. The home occupation may not use more than 20% of the combined total floor area of all on-premises structures (including the dwelling, garage, and accessory buildings). No advertising signs or displays of any kind indicating the existence of the business are permitted on the property. There may be no on-premises sale of goods except for products of a Cottage Food Operation permitted under California Health and Safety Code 114365 with a valid San Diego County Department of Environmental Health permit. The use must comply with all noise, lighting, nuisance, and health and safety regulations. Outside employees and customer visits are restricted; the home occupation may not generate pedestrian or vehicular traffic beyond that normal to the residential zone.