Concord, CA Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

Anyone conducting business from a residence in Concord must obtain a City of Concord Business License through the Finance Department and a Home Occupation Permit through the Planning Division. The Concord Development Code defines home occupations as businesses that are secondary and incidental to the primary residential use of the property. The home occupation must not change the outward appearance of the dwelling or create noise, vibration, odor, light, or electrical interference detectable beyond the property line. Applications require information about the type of business, hours of operation, number of employees, customer visits, parking impact, signage, and any use of chemicals or hazardous materials. Annual business license fees are based on gross receipts or a flat fee for small businesses (typically $100-$300). Home occupations that fall within the permitted home occupation list have a ministerial approval; those that require discretionary review may need a use permit with additional fees ($500-$2,500) and public notice. Cottage Food Operations (under AB 1616/AB 1240) allow limited home food sales with a separate permit from Contra Costa Environmental Health. Operating without a business license is a violation subject to back taxes, penalties, and administrative fines up to $500.