Sonora, CA Home Business: Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Chapter 17.64 of the Tuolumne County Zoning Ordinance states that all home occupation uses are subject to approval of the specified permit as detailed in the use tables in Article 2, Zoning Districts and Allowable Land Uses (Section 17.64.030). The operational standards in Section 17.64.040 require: a maximum of one independent contractor other than residents of the dwelling may work at the location, except as allowed for cottage food operations; activities and equipment must not change the fire-safety or occupancy classification or use utilities beyond normal residential use, and there is no storage or use of toxic or hazardous materials beyond ordinary household types and quantities; no offensive noise, dust, vibration, smell, smoke, heat, glare, or other nuisance may be perceptible at or beyond the lot line; traffic and parking demand must stay consistent with the normal level for the area, with no need for additional parking and no excessive deliveries; and no vehicle larger than a three-quarter-ton truck may be used in connection with the home occupation. Applications are processed by the Community Development Department, and the County uses an online OpenGov permit system. Property owners are advised to confirm their zoning district and the applicable permit type with the Planning Division before starting a home business.