San Bernardino, CA Home Business: Home Occupation Permits (2026)

San Bernardino regulates home-based businesses through the Development Code, which authorizes a Home Occupation Permit (HOP) when the business remains clearly secondary to the residential use. Typical HOP conditions include operation entirely inside the dwelling, no more than 25 percent of habitable floor area devoted to business, no on-site employees other than residents, no customer visits that create traffic or parking demand beyond normal residential levels, and no exterior signage other than a small nameplate. Prohibited uses include auto repair, welding, junk sorting, medical clinics, adult-oriented businesses, and any activity emitting noise, fumes, smoke, glare, or vibration detectable beyond the property line. Applicants file the HOP with Planning and also obtain a San Bernardino Business License through the City Clerk. Fees are modest, typically under 100 dollars combined for most home businesses, renewed annually with the business license. Sales tax permits are required separately through the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration for retail resale. Home occupations must not generate deliveries beyond normal USPS, UPS, and FedFEX residential volumes. Code Enforcement can revoke an HOP after confirmed violations, and operating without a permit is an administrative citation-eligible offense starting at 100 dollars per day. Call 909-384-5122 for Planning questions.