Merced County, CA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

070 sets the standards for home-based businesses in zones where they are permitted. A Zoning Clearance is required before operating, and the business must be run by household residents, with an exception for one non-resident employee. The workspace, including any related storage, is capped at the lesser of 250 square feet or 25% of the home's living space, must be fully enclosed within the structure, and cannot use the required off-street parking; outside storage is prohibited entirely. The structure's exterior cannot be altered, and the occupation cannot be conducted in a way that makes the property look different from a residence, whether through a separate entrance, colors, materials, construction, lighting, signage, or noise and vibration.

Only one advertising vehicle is allowed on site, and any vehicle used for the business cannot exceed the size of a typical utility car, van, or pickup truck. 070(D) flatly bans certain uses as home occupations regardless of these standards, including beauty and barber shops, medical, dental, or chiropractic offices, on-site vehicle repair or bodywork (including RVs), large appliance and machine repair, and contractor storage yards. The rule was last amended by Ordinance 2039 on May 21, 2024.