Chino permits home occupations in residential zones via a Home Occupation Permit issued by the Community Development Department under Title 20 (Zoning) of the Chino Municipal Code (CMC). The use must be clearly incidental and secondary to residential use, conducted entirely within the dwelling by residents, with no exterior evidence of the business. Statewide, Cal. Gov't Code section 65852.2(e) protects ADUs from owner-occupancy and use restrictions; SB 9 (Gov't Code 65852.21) does not authorize commercial use in residential lots.
Under CMC Title 20 (Zoning), a home occupation is an accessory use to a dwelling and requires a Home Occupation Permit before operation. Standard conditions: the activity must be conducted entirely within the dwelling (not in the front yard or attached/detached garage where it would displace required parking), employ only residents of the dwelling (no non-resident employees on-site), occupy a limited percentage of the dwelling's floor area, generate no noise, odor, dust, vibration, smoke, glare, or electrical interference detectable beyond the property line, and produce no traffic, deliveries, or on-street parking demand greater than typical residential use. Prohibited home occupations typically include auto repair, welding, kennels, commercial food production (other than Cottage Food per HSC section 113758), medical/dental clinics, and large-scale retail. A City business license under CMC Title 5 is also required. Statewide Cottage Food Operations (HSC section 113758) and Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (HSC section 114367, where authorized) override local prohibitions on food preparation when permits are obtained.
Operating a home business without a Home Occupation Permit or business license is a municipal code violation enforceable through Code Enforcement under CMC Title 1 general penalty (typically up to $1,000 and/or six months for misdemeanor; administrative citations escalate $100/$200/$500 per Gov't Code section 53069.4). Permit may be revoked for violation of conditions; continued operation after revocation is a separate violation.
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