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

Home occupations are governed by Tulare County's Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance No. 352), administered by the Resource Management Agency Planning Division for the unincorporated area. The ordinance allows a home business only as an accessory use that stays clearly incidental and secondary to the dwelling and does not change the residential character of the property. The County's general zoning regulations set the operating limits typical of a home occupation: employment of help limited to members of the resident family (no general non-resident employees on site), no use of materials or mechanical equipment beyond what is recognized as part of normal household or hobby uses, and no sales of products or services not produced on the premises. Uses that would generate customer traffic, outdoor storage, noise, or commercial signage inconsistent with a residence are not permitted as home occupations and instead require a different zone or a discretionary entitlement such as a special use permit. Whether a separate home-occupation clearance, zone clearance, or business-tax certificate is required depends on the specific activity and zone, so applicants should confirm the current process with the RMA Permit Center / Planning counter before operating. Note that state-protected uses (such as licensed family day care and registered cottage food operations) have their own statutory rules that override ordinary home-occupation limits.