Home occupations are permitted in all Fresno residential zones as an accessory use under FMC §15-2739 subject to operational standards: the business must be clearly secondary to residential use, no more than one non-resident employee, limited customer traffic, and no outside storage. A Home Occupation Permit and Business Tax Certificate are required before operating.
Fresno Municipal Code §15-2739 (Home Occupations) authorizes home-based businesses in all R-zones provided: (1) business is incidental and subordinate to residential use; (2) no exterior evidence visible from public right-of-way other than permitted signage; (3) no more than one non-resident employee at any time; (4) customer visits limited to regular business hours and generally one client at a time; (5) no outdoor storage of materials or equipment; (6) no more than 25% of the dwelling (or accessory structure) devoted to the occupation; (7) no manufacturing with industrial equipment; (8) no hazardous materials beyond household quantities. Home occupations are reviewed by Planning through a Home Occupation Permit application, typically administrative approval with neighbor notice. A Business Tax Certificate (FMC Chapter 7) is required before any commercial activity. Some uses are excluded including vehicle repair, kennels (see animals), large-scale food prep beyond cottage food, and any use requiring walk-in retail. Exceptions exist for state-licensed small and large family daycare under Gov Code §1596.78.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Fresno code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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