Modesto permits home-based businesses (home occupations) in residential zones under MMC Title 10 with conditions. The business must be clearly secondary to the residential use, conducted entirely within the dwelling, and not alter the residential character of the neighborhood.
Home occupations are permitted in all residential zones in Modesto under MMC Title 10 (Zoning Regulations) subject to conditions. The business must be clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use of the property. Business activities must be conducted entirely within the dwelling or approved accessory structure. No external evidence of the business is permitted (no exterior signage, no stored inventory visible from the street). The home occupation must not generate noise, odors, vibrations, or traffic beyond what is normal for a residential area. Only residents of the dwelling may be employed in the business. A business license from the City of Modesto is required.
Operating home business without license: citation. Violating home occupation conditions: code enforcement and potential revocation.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Modesto, CA
Modesto's noise ordinance expressly exempts aircraft and railroad operations; aircraft noise around Modesto City-County Airport is governed by federal FAA ru...
Modesto, CA
Modesto's noise ordinance (MMC Title 4, Ch. 9) bans 'loud and raucous noise' citywide, including from industrial operations. Certain continuous industrial ac...
Modesto, CA
Modesto has no blanket overnight parking ban. The default rule is the 72-hour storage limit (sec. 3-2.1002). Residential Parking Permit Zones under Article 1...
Modesto, CA
Modesto zoning permits standard residential fence materials (wood, vinyl, masonry, ornamental metal, chain link). Barbed wire, razor wire and electrified fen...
Modesto, CA
Modesto's zoning ordinance limits a residential dwelling unit to two dogs (5+ months old) and three cats (3+ months old). Larger numbers, exotic animals, or ...
Modesto, CA
Modesto Municipal Code § 10-3.202 allows up to 12 domestic fowl (hens only - no roosters), plus 2 pygmy goats and 2 miniature potbellied pigs (no boars), per...
See how Modesto's zoning restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.