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

Because Ordinance 348 lists 'Home occupations' among the uses permitted by right in residential zones (such as R-1, Section 6.1), a qualifying home occupation does not need a separate planning approval, plot plan, or conditional use permit - compliance is achieved by meeting the Section 21.36 operating standards rather than by obtaining a discretionary permit. Section 21.36 sets the conditions: the occupation must be incidental and secondary to residential use, conducted entirely within the dwelling, not in an accessory structure, employing only residents (except day care assistants), not changing the dwelling's residential character, keeping no non-residential vehicles or trailers on site, and limited to one unlighted two-square-foot sign. Riverside County does not operate a general business license program for the unincorporated area. However, the County's Transportation Department administers a Business (Stormwater) Registration under Ordinance 857 for businesses operating in unincorporated areas to meet stormwater (NPDES) compliance obligations; per the County, most home occupations are exempt from the registration fee, though the fee exemption does not apply to home occupations that must comply with stormwater quality requirements. Specific trades may still need separate state licensing or County Environmental Health permits (for example, food handling).