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

Plumas County does not have a separate 'home occupation permit' track; instead, home-based work is handled through the zoning code's home business definitions and the use lists in each residential zone. A 'limited home business' (Sec. 9-2.247) - one with no additional employees and no exterior evidence of business activity - is listed as a permitted use by right in the Single-Family Residential Zones under Sec. 9-2.1302(a), so it generally requires no discretionary zoning permit. A full 'home business' (Sec. 9-2.246), which may have up to two additional employees, occupy up to 600 square feet, and display a permitted sign, is listed among the uses requiring a special use permit under Sec. 9-2.1302(b). The special use permit is the county's discretionary review mechanism, processed by the Planning Department and, where applicable, the Planning Commission. Regardless of category, the activity must remain conducted by a resident of the dwelling, stay within the floor-area and impact limits, and produce no off-premises noise, odor, or visible business activity beyond an allowed sign. Operators should confirm with the Planning Department which category applies and obtain the special use permit before exceeding the limited thresholds. A separate building permit may be required if the home is structurally modified for the business.