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

Placer County Code § 17.56.120 defines a home occupation as the gainful employment of the occupant of a dwelling in a limited commercial activity that is subordinate to the residential use of the property. Performance standards in subsection (C) require that home occupations be conducted inside the main residence — they shall not be permitted out-of-doors on the property or in any trailer or other temporary structure. One non-resident employee may report on-site when the home occupation is operated from a single-family detached home; properties of at least 4.6 acres may permit a maximum of two non-resident employees. There shall be no exterior display or evidence of the home occupation — including noise, light, vibration, smoke, dust, odors, or heat — beyond what would normally be associated with residential use, other than the limited signage allowed by subsection (E) and certain garage/yard sale or plant-nursery items allowed by subsection (C)(8). Parking requirements under subsection (D) limit on-site customer/client visits and require that any customer or employee parking be accommodated on the lot. Applicants must answer Questions 5-21 on the County's questionnaire, which capture employees, peak customer counts, hours of operation, rooms used, equipment, deliveries, vehicles, sewage, and water source.