Tuolumne County, CA Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

Under Chapter 17.64 of the Tuolumne County Zoning Ordinance (Title 17), home occupations are permitted in all districts except where the occupation or any part of it is otherwise regulated in the code (Section 17.64.020). All activities must be conducted entirely within the residential unit, within a garage attached to the unit, or in an enclosed accessory building; when a garage is used, the doors must stay closed and required parking spaces must remain usable (Section 17.64.040.A.2). The residential appearance of the unit must be maintained, with no exterior indication of the business except signs conforming to Chapter 17.34, Signs (17.64.040.A.1). The County FAQ summarizes the same rule: a home occupation must be conducted entirely within a dwelling or private garage by the inhabitants, must be incidental to the residential use, cannot change the residential character of the parcel, and outdoor storage is not allowed. The ordinance bars several business types as home occupations: vehicle sales and service; animal care, sales, and services; eating and drinking establishments; hotels and motels; hospitals and clinics; personal services; and retail sales (Section 17.64.040.B). To verify a property's zoning, the County directs applicants to its Planning page and the Community Development Department.