San Clemente requires a Home Occupation Permit under Section 17.16.140 plus a city business license before running a business from a residence. The use must stay accessory, keep the home's residential character, and not exceed 20 percent of the habitable floor area.
Anyone conducting a business as an accessory use to a primary residence in any zone must obtain a Home Occupation Permit under Zoning Code Section 17.16.140, plus a City of San Clemente business license. Permit conditions require the home occupation to be incidental and accessory, to not change the principal residential character, and to occupy no more than 20 percent of the habitable floor area. The standards limit non-resident employees, prohibit business signage, restrict on-premise direct sale of goods, and bar uses generating significant traffic, parking, noise or nuisance. One recognized low-impact activity: swimming instruction for up to three students at one time may be conducted in an outdoor pool without a conditional use permit.
Operating without the required Home Occupation Permit or business license, or violating a condition such as exceeding the 20 percent cap, prohibited employees or added signage, is a zoning violation. The city can revoke the permit and pursue abatement.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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