San Bernardino County, CA Home Business: Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Most home-based businesses in unincorporated San Bernardino County require a Home Occupation Permit issued by the Land Use Services Department, Planning Division, under Development Code Chapter 84.07. The application typically requires a site plan of the residence, a description of the proposed business activity, anticipated hours, number of on-site employees (usually limited to the resident plus one non-resident employee), parking plan, and signature acknowledgment of the home occupation performance standards (no signs, no outside storage, traffic and noise at residential levels, and the activity incidental to the dwelling). Fees vary but are typically modest compared with a conditional use permit. Some low-impact activities such as telecommuting professional services or cottage food operations may be exempt from the permit, but a separate county business license or business registration through the Auditor Controller Treasurer Tax Collector may still apply. Specialty home businesses such as licensed contractors, real estate offices, and counseling practices may have additional state licensing requirements. Operators in incorporated cities (such as San Bernardino, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Victorville, or Redlands) must instead apply to their respective city planning and business license departments.