San Francisco Planning Code Section 204.1 allows home occupations as an accessory use in residential zones with no permit if criteria are met. The business must be secondary to the dwelling, use no more than 1/3 of the unit, have no employees outside residents, and no customer visits or signage.
Under Planning Code 204.1, a home occupation is an accessory use to a residential dwelling if the following criteria are all met: (1) conducted only by residents of the dwelling; (2) occupies no more than one-third of the floor area, up to 500 sq ft; (3) no non-resident employees; (4) no on-premises customer or client visits (with limited exceptions for tutors, therapists); (5) no exterior signage; (6) no display or sale of merchandise on the premises; (7) no increase in traffic, noise, or odors. If all met, no Planning permit is required, though a Business Registration with the Treasurer and possibly other permits (professional license, seller's permit) still apply. Occupations exceeding these limits require a Conditional Use authorization from the Planning Commission, which is a public-hearing process taking 6-12 months and generally disfavored in RH districts. Daycare, cottage food, massage, and similar have specific sub-rules. HOAs and landlords may impose additional restrictions.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact San Francisco code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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