Butte County, CA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Butte County Zoning Ordinance Section 24-162 (Article IV - Supplemental Use Regulations, Division 1) sets the standards governing all home occupations in unincorporated areas. Per the Planning Division's published guidance and the PLA-02 application form, employees of a home office and a minor home occupation are limited to persons residing in the dwelling unit; a major home occupation is allowed two additional persons beyond those residing in the dwelling. No clients are permitted to visit a home office; not more than six clients per day may visit a minor home occupation; and not more than twelve clients per day may visit a major home occupation.

Operations may not occupy more than twenty-five percent of the gross floor area of the dwelling unit. Goods and materials associated with a home occupation must be stored within an enclosed structure, and outdoor storage is prohibited. Examples of major home occupations identified by the County include equipment repair, contractor's office, dog grooming, hairdressing, light assembly and shipping, catering, food processing, and home professional offices. The use must remain incidental and subordinate to the primary residential use. Cottage food operations remain governed primarily by California Health & Safety Code Section 113758 (Class A capped at $75,000 gross annual sales; Class B at $150,000), with no separate planning permit needed when sales occur off-site. 1 (Short-term rentals).