Monterey County, CA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Inland Code
- Monterey County Code 21.64.090
- Coastal Code
- Monterey County Code 20.64.090
- Employees
- Only the resident and immediate family on-site
- Work Location
- Inside the residence or on-site accessory structures
- Impacts
- No noxious odors/fumes; no increase in noise or traffic
- Modification
- Administrative / Coastal Administrative Permit (subsection D)
Summary
Monterey County Code 21.64.090 (inland) and 20.64.090 (coastal) allow home occupations by right in residential and farmland districts, but limit them to a resident-run, indoor business using equipment normally found in the home, with no outside employees, no noxious odors or fumes, and no increase in neighborhood noise or traffic.
1. ...occupations using facilities, equipment and materials normally found in the home... 2. No persons other than the resident and immediate family residing on site may be employed. 3. All facets of the home occupation must be contained in the residence or inside structures on-site. 4. [No] production of noxious or toxic odors or fumes... no increase... of noise or traffic levels above those of ordinary residential use. 5. There shall be no advertising for the home occupation allowed on the property.
Full Breakdown
090 in the Title 20 coastal zoning ordinance. 030(N) lists home occupations as a use allowed in the F/Farmlands district). The County imposes five operating standards: (1) the occupation must use facilities, equipment and materials normally found in the home, such as typing, tailoring, data processing, ceramics, music lessons, or lawn-mower repair, without altering the residential appearance; (2) no persons other than the resident and immediate family residing on site may be employed; (3) all facets of the home occupation must be contained in the residence or inside accessory structures on-site; (4) the use may not produce noxious or toxic odors or fumes, or increase noise or traffic above ordinary residential levels; and (5) there shall be no advertising for the home occupation on the property. 090(D)).
Violations & Fines
A home occupation that does not comply with Section 21.64.090 / 20.64.090 is a zoning violation enforceable through County Code Enforcement under Title 1 of the County Code. The County may issue a Notice of Violation, administrative citations and daily fines, record the violation against the property, declare a public nuisance, and require the business to cease. A business license may also be revoked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hire employees for my Monterey County home business?
Can I run the business from my detached garage or shed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monterey County
How Monterey County compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·California rules heatmap·Compare Monterey County to another location·View the California home business overview
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