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

Turlock's Home Occupation Permit is the City's core mechanism for allowing small businesses in residential zones while protecting neighbors. It is administered by the Planning Division under Turlock Municipal Code Sections 9-5-210 and 9-5-211. An HOP 'is required for all businesses proposed to be located in a home, including apartments,' and a permit is required 'even if the majority of the work is done away from the home,' as long as the residence is the business's address or legal/physical location. A City of Turlock business license is also required to operate any business within city limits. Once approved, the HOP 'remains valid as long as you are living at the address on the permit'; it is not transferable to a different person or different location, and if you move - even within city limits - a new HOP must be issued for the new location. Renters must get the property owner's or landlord's approval, and the owner/landlord must sign the application with a notarized signature. Operating conditions are designed to keep the use incidental and secondary to residential living: the business must be conducted entirely within the home, must not create nuisances (noise, odor, dust, vibration, fumes, etc.), and must not disrupt the residential nature of the neighborhood. Parking is capped at one standard pickup truck and one utility trailer designated for the home occupation. Certain uses (auto repair, welding, medical/dental offices, and others) are prohibited.