Santa Clara requires a home occupation permit and business license for residents operating a business from a dwelling, with limits on signage, employees, customer visits, and external evidence of commercial activity.
Santa Clara City Code Title 18 regulates home occupations as an accessory use to residential dwellings. Residents must apply for a home occupation permit through the Community Development Department and secure a business license from the Finance Department. The business must be conducted entirely within the dwelling or an enclosed accessory structure, must not occupy more than a limited percentage of the floor area, and must not employ persons who do not reside in the home. No exterior signage, outdoor storage, or external alteration revealing commercial use is permitted. Customer visits and deliveries must be limited to avoid disturbing neighbors, and no activity may generate noise, odor, vibration, glare, or traffic beyond normal residential levels. Prohibited uses typically include auto repair, kennels, medical clinics, and retail sales of goods not produced on-site.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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