Dublin, CA Home Business: Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Dublin Zoning Ordinance Chapter 8.64 provides that no home occupation may be conducted until a Business License is issued under Chapter 4.04 (Business Registration). The City's 'Starting a Home-Based Business' page states the business license is required before operations begin and that the applicant must complete a Business License Application, a Home Occupation Supplemental Questionnaire, and pay the application fee. The supplemental questionnaire is how the City confirms the proposed use meets the Chapter 8.64 standards - activities inside the primary structure (with limited accessory-structure exceptions for administrative or artistic work), no non-resident employees, no customer visits for goods or services, no exterior change to the home, no more than five extra trips per day, and no nuisance impacts. Certain uses are prohibited outright as home occupations, including auto repair, barber/beauty shops, medical offices, restaurants, and welding shops. Applications can be processed through the City's online business license portal or with the Community Development Department; the City lists 925-833-6650 for business license questions.