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

Under Inyo County's Zoning Ordinance (Title 18), a home occupation is a use accessory to a dwelling in the residential (R), rural residential (RR), and open space (OS) districts, and it is allowed only when it complies with Chapter 18.78. Section 18.78.130 sets the binding performance standards: no more than one full-time-equivalent non-resident employee; no alteration in the residential character of the premises; no outdoor storage or display of equipment, appliances, materials, or supplies; no on-premises stock of goods for sale or rental other than homemade items; no more than fifteen vehicle round trips per day to the home occupation; operating hours only between seven a.m. and eight p.m.; and no objectionable noise, glare, vibration, odor, or electrical disturbance. A home occupation that stays within these limits is generally permitted by right without a separate County land-use permit, though it must still comply with any state and local business licensing, the building code if any construction is involved, and applicable sign rules. A proposed use that cannot meet one or more of the §18.78.130 standards is not a home occupation and would instead require review under the County's conditional use permit process or be limited to a commercial zone. Confirm your specific situation with the Inyo County Planning Department.