Aliso Viejo, CA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Section 15.14.150 allows incidental and accessory home occupations in residential neighborhoods only under conditions that ensure compatibility with the neighborhood. The Aliso Viejo code defines a home occupation as an occupation or activity conducted as an accessory use within a dwelling unit incidental to the residential use of the property.

The operating standards in subsection (B) are specific. Only residents of the dwelling unit can participate in the home occupation. The work must take place only within the enclosed living area of the dwelling or within the garage, and no garage space required for off-street parking can be used. The home occupation cannot occupy more than 15 percent of the combined floor area of the house and garage.

Customer activity is closed off. No sales activity is allowed from the dwelling except for mail order sales, and the dwelling cannot be the point of customer pickup or delivery of products or services other than by mail or parcel service. A home occupation cannot create greater vehicular or pedestrian traffic than normal for the district. Medical, dental, massage and other service occupations in which patrons are seen in the home are prohibited outright.

The remaining standards protect the neighborhood's character: the home occupation cannot change the principal residential character or use of the dwelling, cannot create dust, noise or odors in excess of that normally associated with residential use, and cannot use electrical or mechanical equipment that interferes with radio, television or telephone reception or causes line voltage fluctuations outside the dwelling unit. Signs and other exterior evidence are barred by subsection (B)(4). Enforcement is handled by the City of Aliso Viejo's code enforcement staff under Chapter 1.06 AVMC.