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

Permit requirements for home-based businesses in unincorporated Trinity County are set by Chapter 17.30B of the zoning code. For minor home occupations, a permit is not required by default, but Section 17.30B.040(B) requires either a Planning Director's or Planning Commission-issued use permit for certain minor uses, for example where the parcel is under five acres and the use has traffic or employment characteristics, or where an accessory structure used for the occupation exceeds the residence's square footage. For major home occupations, Section 17.30B.040(B) likewise requires that the use meet the conditions for a Planning Director use permit or Planning Commission use permit before the business starts operating. The chapter sets the operating standards each tier must meet (employee, vehicle, noise, area, and hours limits) and requires that the use not adversely affect the residential character of the area or interfere with management of resource lands (17.30B.050). Because the trigger for a permit turns on parcel size, employees, traffic, structure size, and the specific use listed, applicants should bring their parcel information and business description to the Trinity County Planning Department to determine whether a Planning Director or Planning Commission use permit is required and what the current application fee is.