Sacramento County, CA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Section 3.9.3.F of the Sacramento County Zoning Code governs every home occupation in the unincorporated county. The section carries amendment tags for July 8, 2016 and September 10, 2026. Its stated goal is to keep a home business "undetectable from normal and usual residential activity," and its purpose clause targets noise, traffic nuisances and hazardous material use in residential areas.

Space and number. No more than 20 percent of the habitable floor area of the principal dwelling, or 200 square feet if that is larger, can go to the business. That cap is cumulative when several home occupations share a property. A residence can hold three home occupations. A parcel primarily developed with a single-family dwelling stays at three even with accessory dwellings or a second primary dwelling. Massage providers are counted under SCC Chapter 4.36. Work happens in the principal dwelling or accessory structures, though incidental outdoor activity such as pet sitting, outdoor pool swim lessons or drying clay pots is allowed.

People and traffic. Only occupants of the dwelling can work on site. In a partnership or corporation, at least one member must live there, and off-site employees or partners are fine as long as they never report for work at the property. Activity cannot require parking for more than two additional vehicles at once. Visitors are limited to one business visitor per hour and eight per day. Office-type businesses are limited to two visitors at one time for the same appointment and eight appointments per day. Deliveries of products or materials are limited to one per week.

Appearance and sales. The only visible sign of the business can be one sign, and only if the zoning district permits it. No outdoor storage of materials or supplies, no visible product display, and no remodeling that makes the front of the house look commercial. Only artist's originals or products individually made to order can be sold on the premises.

Hours and conditions. Occupations limited to daytime hours cannot operate before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m., although quiet administrative tasks without on-site visitors can continue within the Noise Ordinance. The Planning Director recommends reasonable conditions where needed, and those conditions attach to the business license under SCC Section 4.06.090. Some uses carry extra limits, such as one operator for beauty and barber shops, one student at a time for private lessons, and four animals at a time for pet sitting.