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

Alameda County treats most home-based businesses as by-right accessory uses in residential zones, meaning no conditional use permit is required if the operation complies with Title 17 home occupation standards. However, operators should contact the Planning Department for a zoning clearance or written confirmation that their specific activity qualifies, especially for uses that combine online retail with on-site storage, for instructional businesses with clients, or for cottage food operations. A separate county business license and applicable state and federal tax registrations are typically required. Home occupations that exceed the standards (more employees, customer traffic, outdoor storage, or prohibited uses) require either a conditional use permit, a zoning variance, or relocation to a commercially zoned property. Violations can be enforced through the county code enforcement process, including administrative citations and abatement actions. Incorporated cities within the county (Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, Hayward, and others) have their own home occupation permit processes.