Home occupations in unincorporated Fresno County are governed by the zoning ordinance (Title 18). Most home occupations meeting the standard conditions do not require a separate permit. Non-conforming or higher-impact home businesses may require a conditional use permit from the Department of Public Works and Planning.
Fresno County's zoning ordinance classifies home occupations as accessory uses in residential zones. Standard home occupations that meet all conditions (conducted indoors, no signage, no outside employees beyond one, no customer traffic beyond residential norms, no external evidence) are permitted without a separate home occupation permit. A county business license may still be required. Home occupations that deviate from standard conditions -- such as needing more than one outside employee, generating above-normal traffic, or requiring outdoor activity -- may need a conditional use permit (CUP) or director review approval. The CUP process involves an application, public notice, and a hearing before the Planning Commission. Conditions of approval may include operating hour restrictions, parking requirements, and annual review. The application fee varies based on the type of review. Agricultural home businesses on properties zoned AE or AL may have additional flexibility for farm-related enterprises. Home-based food operations follow separate cottage food or Microenterprise Home Kitchen (AB 626) regulations.
Operating without required CUP: zoning violation, administrative citation up to $1,000/day. Violating CUP conditions: revocation hearing, potential loss of home occupation approval. Operating without business license: separate citation.
See how Fresno County's home occupation permits rules stack up against other locations.
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