Fresno, CA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- FMC 15-2735(B), (E)
- Where Allowed
- All residential units, any zoning (15-2735.B)
- Max Area
- 25% of residential unit floor area
- Employees
- 1 non-resident employee/contractor
- Location
- Inside dwelling or closed-door garage
- Power Tools
- <= 2 horsepower; no commercial kitchen
Summary
Fresno Citywide Development Code Section 15-2735 allows home occupations in all residential units citywide regardless of zoning, but limits the business to 25 percent of the dwelling's floor area, requires the residential appearance to be maintained with no exterior indication of the business, confines activity to the dwelling or an enclosed garage, and permits no more than one non-resident employee.
B. Applicability. This section applies to all residential units and properties in the city regardless of their zoning designation. It does not apply to family day care homes, which are regulated separately in Section 15-2725, Day Care Centers and Family Child Care Homes.
E. Residential Appearance. The residential appearance of the unit within which the home occupation is conducted shall be maintained, and no exterior indication of a home occupation is permitted.
1. Location. All home occupation activities shall be conducted entirely within the residential unit, or within a garage that is reserved for the residential unit. When conducted within a garage, the doors thereof shall be closed, and the area occupied shall not preclude the use of required parking spaces.
3. Maximum Size. The space exclusively devoted to the home occupation (including any associated storage) shall not exceed 25 percent of the residential unit floor area.
4. Employees. One employee or independent contractor other than residents of the dwelling may be permitted to work at the location of a home occupation. All work conducted by employees shall be conducted completely within the home (not including the garage).
Full Breakdown
Under Fresno Municipal Code (Citywide Development Code) Section 15-2735(B), home occupation regulations apply to all residential units and properties in the city regardless of their zoning designation; they do not apply to family day care homes, which are regulated separately under Section 15-2725. E). 1). 2). 3). 4). 13). 16).
Violations & Fines
A home occupation that exceeds the 25 percent area cap, shows exterior indication of the business, employs more than one non-resident, or otherwise violates Section 15-2735 is a Development Code violation. Under FMC 15-6305, it is a misdemeanor that may be cited or charged as an infraction, with each day of continued violation a separate offense, punished per Chapter 1, Article 3 of the Municipal Code; the use is also declared a public nuisance subject to abatement under FMC 15-6304 and 15-6307.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of my Fresno home can I use for a home business?
Can I have employees at my Fresno home business?
Can people tell from the street that I run a business at home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fresno
How Fresno compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·California rules heatmap·Compare Fresno to another location·View the California home business overview
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Zoning & Home Occupation Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fresno County handle zoning & home occupation permits.