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

Chapter 18.89 regulates 'cottage industries', the county's term for home occupations, in any zoning district that allows single-family residential use. A home occupation must be conducted by a resident inside the dwelling, use no more than 25% of the gross area of one floor including storage (§ 18.89.020(B)), and go undetected by the average neighbor. Standards in § 18.89.030 bar accessory-structure use, exterior alterations, on-site signage, and non-resident workers or customers, and cap deliveries at two per day. No cottage industry may begin operating until the planning department approves a cottage industry permit application under § 18.89.040, which lists eligible trades and allows one non-resident employee.