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

Milpitas' zoning ordinance dedicates Chapter C.10.130 (Home Occupations) to residents who want to run a business out of their house without changing the neighborhood's residential character. Subsection A states the purpose directly: letting residents conduct business at home while making sure it does not interfere with, detract from, or adversely affect the character of the neighborhood. Subsection B is the operative permit requirement: every person operating a home occupation must obtain a Home Occupation Permit before commencing any business. Subsection C (General Standards) then lists the conditions every permit carries.

Only residents of the dwelling may operate the home occupation, and no employees connected with the business may report to work on the property (Standard 1). The business must be conducted entirely inside the dwelling, except for occupations that are entirely off-site (Standard 3). Outdoor storage of materials, supplies, or equipment visible from adjacent properties or public ways is prohibited (Standard 4), and any exterior modification tied to the home occupation that is inconsistent with the home's residential appearance is barred (Standard 5). A home occupation cannot generate noise, dust, vibration, odor, smoke, heat, glare, electrical interference, or any other nuisance perceptible beyond the lot line (Standard 8).

Delivery vehicles are limited to one owned by the business, capped at 8,500 pounds gross vehicle weight, stored in the driveway or an enclosed garage (Standard 7). Subsection C.9 lists a full menu of uses barred outright as home occupations, including adult businesses, vehicle-related uses, eating and drinking establishments, medical offices, and most retail sales other than phone or internet orders shipped to the customer; cottage food operations remain allowed under Subsection C.10 consistent with state law.