Carmichael, CA Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

Sacramento County Zoning Code Section 3.9.3.F allows home occupations subject to detailed use standards. The activity must be clearly incidental and subordinate to the residential use, and may occupy no more than 20 percent of the habitable floor area of the principal dwelling (cumulative if more than one home occupation). With the exception of massage, no more than three home occupations are allowed per residence. Only occupants of the dwelling may be engaged in the home occupation on the property; in a partnership or corporation at least one member must reside there, and off-site employees or partners are allowed only if they do not report to work at the residence. Traffic standards limit activity to no more than one business visitor per hour and eight per day (office-type businesses may have two visitors at one time for the same appointment, still capped at eight appointments/day), no more than one delivery of products or materials per week, and parking of no more than two additional vehicles at any one time. No mechanical equipment may create dust, odor, or vibration detectable at the property line, and noise at the property line may not exceed 65 dBA. Outdoor storage of materials or supplies is prohibited. Certain uses (e.g., restaurants, medical/dental clinics, body art, kennels, ammunition reloading) are expressly prohibited as home occupations. A County General Business License is also required.