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

Under the Address of Convenience and Home Occupation Permit standards (Humboldt County Code Sections 313-50.1 and 314-50.1), a qualifying Home Occupation must satisfy ALL of the following: no on-site activities outside the dwelling (including storage of supplies or products); business activity occupies no more than 25% of the gross floor area on one floor of the dwelling; no additions, extensions, internal alterations, or electrical or plumbing alterations to the dwelling; the business is conducted only by persons residing on the premises; no sales of merchandise other than that produced on the premises; the existence of the business is not evident in the external appearance of the dwelling or premises; equipment is limited to that customarily used in dwellings; no noise, smoke, odors, or other nuisances above neighborhood norms; no pedestrian or vehicular traffic above neighborhood norms; no separate access or private entrance for the business; and no more than one vehicle, none larger than 3/4 ton, used in conjunction with the business. Under the Cottage Industry Permit standards (Sections 313-45.2 and 314-45.1), the use must conform to all applicable zoning district development standards (setbacks, lot coverage, parking); the owner must occupy the dwelling; the cottage industry must occupy less than 25% or less than 1,000 sq ft of the dwelling or accessory structure, whichever is less; all employees must reside in the dwelling; all merchandise must be sold off-premises; all outside lighting must be directed on-site and shielded; all manufacturing and fabricating must be enclosed within buildings; hours are limited to 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday; improvements on the property must be limited to less than two acres; and there can be no evidence of the business in the external appearance, no above-normal noise/odors/smoke/vibration, no above-normal traffic, and no audible/visual interference with radio or television reception.