Monterey County does not issue a separate home occupation permit. A home-based business that meets all five standards in Section 21.64.090 / 20.64.090 is allowed by right in residential and farmland districts. A County business license/tax certificate and any state licenses still apply, and a deviation from the standards requires an Administrative Permit.
Under the Monterey County zoning ordinance, a home occupation is allowed by right and does not need a discretionary use permit as long as it complies with the operating standards in Section 21.64.090 (inland) or Section 20.64.090 (coastal). For example, Section 21.30.030(N) lists home occupations as a use allowed in the F/Farmlands district, and they are likewise allowed in residential districts. The County does not require a standalone home occupation permit for a compliant business. However, an operator must still obtain a business license/tax certificate from the Monterey County Treasurer-Tax Collector, file a fictitious business name statement with the Clerk-Recorder where applicable, and hold any required state professional or seller's permits. If the business cannot meet the ministerial standards - for example because it needs an outside employee, on-site customer visits, or outdoor activity - it is no longer a by-right home occupation. In that case, the operator must apply for an Administrative Permit (or a Coastal Administrative Permit in the coastal zone under Section 20.64.090(D)), which is a discretionary planning approval reviewed by County planning staff.
Operating a home occupation that does not comply with Section 21.64.090 / 20.64.090, or operating without a required County business license, is enforceable through Code Enforcement under Title 1 of the County Code. Penalties include Notices of Violation, administrative citations, daily fines, recorded violations, and orders to cease operating. Operating a non-conforming business without the required Administrative Permit can also lead to abatement proceedings.
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