Fullerton, CA Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

The City of Fullerton regulates home-based businesses through the home occupation provisions of its Zoning Ordinance, administered by the Community Development Department. Home occupations are permitted as an accessory use in all residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3, and residential portions of planned unit developments), provided they comply with the following conditions: the business must be conducted entirely within the enclosed living area of the dwelling unit by resident occupants only — no non-resident employees may work on the premises. The home occupation must be clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use and may not change the residential character or appearance of the dwelling. No exterior signage, display, or advertising visible from the street is permitted. The business may not generate customer, client, or delivery traffic beyond what is normal for the residential neighborhood. Storage of materials, inventory, or equipment must be entirely within the dwelling and may not be visible from the exterior. The business may not create noise, vibration, odor, dust, glare, or electrical interference detectable beyond the property boundaries. Manufacturing, assembly, or repair of items is generally prohibited unless it is a small-scale craft activity that produces no nuisance impacts. Prohibited home businesses typically include auto repair, welding, woodworking with power tools, beauty salons with walk-in clients, restaurants, medical offices, and any use requiring a building code change of occupancy. A business license from the Fullerton Finance Department is required for all home occupations.