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

Before operating a home-based business in Upland, an applicant must complete a Home Occupation - Zoning Clearance application, submitted through the city's Citizen Self Service portal and reviewed by the Planning Division. A zoning clearance is a ministerial review the city uses to verify a proposed use complies with the Zoning Ordinance. Planning staff check the application for completeness and confirm the proposed use is allowed at the location; if approvable, staff approve it, and the approval is not effective until the applicant submits a written acknowledgment agreeing to operate consistently with the description. If the use cannot be approved, staff issue a written denial. Some home businesses that have the potential to impact a residential neighborhood require an Administrative Use Permit rather than a simple zoning clearance - applicants are directed to contact the Planning Division before submitting to determine which applies. The home occupation standards distinguish minor occupations (no more than six clients/visitors per day) from major occupations (no more than 12 per day, with up to two non-resident employees), and visits are limited to between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Every home occupation permittee must also obtain and maintain a valid city business license; a license that is suspended or revoked carries hearing and notice rights. Application fees follow the city's Master Fee Schedule.