Hayward allows home occupations in all residential zones with a Home Occupation Permit. Businesses must be accessory to the primary residential use.
Hayward Municipal Code Chapter 10 Article 1 permits home occupations in single-family, multi-family, and mixed-use residential zones subject to a Home Occupation Permit issued by the Planning Division. Permitted home businesses include professional services, consulting, tutoring, online sales, artistic work, and light assembly. The business must be conducted entirely indoors, occupy no more than 25 percent of the gross floor area, be operated only by residents of the dwelling plus a limited number of non-resident employees as allowed by code, and produce no noise, vibration, odor, smoke, glare, or electrical interference detectable off-site. Retail sales, auto repair, kennels, medical offices, and restaurants are prohibited as home occupations. All home businesses must also hold a Hayward Business Tax Certificate regardless of zoning approval.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle zoning restrictions.
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