Fullerton Zoning Restrictions Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Fullerton's Zoning Ordinance establishes the regulatory framework for home occupations — businesses operated from a residential dwelling — across all residential zoning districts within the city. The ordinance recognizes that many residents operate small businesses from home, including professional consulting, freelance creative work, online sales, tutoring, and similar low-impact activities, and it provides a pathway for these businesses to operate legally while protecting the residential character and quality of life that Fullerton's neighborhoods are known for.

To operate a home occupation in Fullerton, residents must obtain a home occupation permit or business license through the Community Development Department. The application process involves confirming that the proposed business activity complies with all zoning standards for home occupations. The standards are designed to ensure the business remains truly incidental to the residential use of the property. Key requirements include: the business must be conducted entirely within the enclosed dwelling unit (garages may be used only if they continue to provide required parking); no more than a specified percentage of the home's total floor area may be devoted to the business; only residents of the dwelling may be employed in the business (non-resident employees are not permitted to work on-site); the business must not generate noise, odor, vibration, glare, fumes, or electrical interference detectable beyond the property line; and the business must not create traffic, parking demand, or delivery activity that exceeds what is typical for the residential neighborhood.

The residential appearance of the property must be preserved at all times. No exterior storage of business materials, inventory, equipment, or commercial vehicles is permitted. The dwelling must not be modified in any way that changes its residential appearance — no commercial storefronts, loading docks, or warehouse additions. The business must not be evident to the casual observer from the street or from neighboring properties. Deliveries and shipments must be limited to what a normal residential parcel would receive; frequent large-truck deliveries are not permitted.

Certain business types are specifically prohibited as home occupations in Fullerton regardless of the impact they might otherwise generate. These include automotive repair or bodywork, vehicle storage or sales, manufacturing and assembly operations, warehousing and distribution, medical or dental offices requiring patient visits, beauty salons and barbershops with walk-in clientele, and any activity that requires customers to visit the home on a regular or walk-in basis. Businesses that fall into prohibited categories must operate from a commercially or industrially zoned location.

Fullerton's home occupation regulations are enforced by the Code Enforcement Division. Complaints from neighbors about noise, traffic, parking, or other impacts associated with a home business may trigger an investigation. If a business is found to be operating without a permit or in violation of the home occupation standards, the operator will be required to come into compliance or cease the business activity. Contact the Community Development Department at (714) 738-6884 for application forms, fee information, and guidance on whether a proposed business qualifies as a permitted home occupation.