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

Under Section 1500-12-020 of the Sutter County Zoning Code, the permit pathway depends on the home occupation category defined in Section 1500-12-010. A Home Office (no clients, no outside employees) is permitted in residential zones without a permit. A Cottage Food Operation is also permitted in residential zones and is processed under the California Health & Safety Code. A Minor Home Occupation requires a Zoning Clearance, the County's ministerial planning sign-off confirming the use meets the operating standards in Section 1500-12-030 (no outside employees beyond residents, up to six clients per day, 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. hours, no outdoor storage, and use limited to 25% of the dwelling). A Major Home Occupation, which may have one outside employee and up to ten clients per day, requires a Use Permit — a discretionary entitlement reviewed by the Development Services Department. Section 1500-12-030 also limits employees of a Home Office and Minor Home Occupation to persons residing in the dwelling unit, while Cottage Food and Major Home Occupations may add one person beyond residents. Approval can be revoked under Section 1500-12-050 if the occupation does not commence within one year, ceases for over a year, or becomes a nuisance.