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.
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 enforces a 72-hour street-parking limit citywide under MMC Title 3, Chapter 2, Article 10. Designated residential areas also operate Residential Park...
Modesto, CA
Modesto Municipal Code Title 5, Chapter 4 permits backyard hens in R-1 residential zones. Up to 12 hens are allowed; roosters are prohibited. Coop placement ...
Modesto, CA
Modesto has one of the lowest pet limits in California, allowing a maximum of two dogs or cats per household under MMC Title 5, Chapter 4. Animal hoarding is...
Modesto, CA
Modesto sits on the Central Valley floor outside CAL FIRE's State Responsibility Area and is not mapped as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, so the wild...
Modesto, CA
Modesto does not regulate year-round residential lawn ornaments (statues, gnomes, flamingos, religious figures, sports themes) by size, quantity, or content....
See how Modesto's zoning restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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