Lake County, CA Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

In the unincorporated County, a home occupation is a 'use generally permitted with a zoning permit' under Article 27 of the Lake County Zoning Ordinance. Table A lists 'Home Occupation' (item j) as permitted in numerous districts (including A, TPZ, RL, RR, SR, R1, R2, PDR, and U) upon issuance of a zoning permit, subject to the standards of Section 27.3(j). The first standard requires that the home occupation be strictly secondary and subordinate to the principal residential use and not change or detrimentally affect the residential, agricultural, or rural character of the dwelling, premises, or neighborhood. In the R1 and R2 districts, and on lots under one acre in the SR district, the home occupation must be conducted only in the dwelling or attached garage - not in a detached garage, storage shed, or accessory building. In other districts where it is allowed, it may be conducted entirely within the dwelling or an accessory structure incidental in size to the principal dwelling. Structural alterations require Planning Director review and approval if consistent with the character of the area. Employees are limited: in R1/R2 and small SR lots, only the dwelling occupant(s) may work the business with no on-site employees; in other districts, on-site employees are limited to one per two acres up to a maximum of five. There must be no outdoor storage of materials or supplies, no radio/TV interference, and no noise audible at the property line. Pick-ups and deliveries by commercial carrier are limited to ten per week. A separate larger-scale 'Cottage Industry' use is available by minor use permit for activities exceeding home-occupation limits.