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

Operating a home-based business in unincorporated Siskiyou County requires a Home Occupation Use Permit from the County Planning Division. The application may be completed by a tenant but must be signed by the property owner, and a Grant Deed verifying ownership is required. Most projects also require an Environmental Health water and sewer clearance before the Planning application is filed, plus an annual business license from the County Treasurer-Tax Collector. Planning fees follow the Department's Application for Development Review; Section 10-6-1601 of the County Code provides additional information on development fees. The process takes about 25 to 30 days. The application is reviewed by County Planning in coordination with the Building Division, Environmental Health, and the Assessor, then decided by the Deputy Director of Planning. After approval there is a 10-day appeal period; if not appealed, the permit is issued and remains valid as long as the use is continual. The permit must be put into operation within one year of approval or it is automatically voided, and it terminates if the use ceases for one year. Standard conditions include: no employees permitted; no outside display or storage; business area limited to 25 percent of the home; one attached sign up to six square feet; no strictly retail businesses; and no clients on the premises unless the building meets Uniform Building Code occupancy and ADA accessibility requirements. Appeals go to the Planning Commission.