Murrieta, CA Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

Murrieta Municipal Code Title 16 (Development Code) defines a home occupation as a business activity conducted entirely within a residential dwelling or its accessory structures, operated by residents of the dwelling. The use must remain clearly secondary to the residence, occupy a minor portion of the floor area, and generate no external indication that the site is used for anything other than a home. Typical prohibited features include outdoor storage of materials or equipment, commercial deliveries by tractor-trailers, retail sales from the property, and activity that produces noise, smoke, odors, vibration, or electrical interference beyond normal residential levels. Employees who do not live at the dwelling are generally limited to one (consistent with AB 1136 and AB 2443 recent state updates for certain uses). Signage is prohibited or tightly restricted. Parking must accommodate the home occupation's needs on-site, not on the public street. State law (Business and Professions Code section 16000) requires a city business license regardless of home-occupation status, and certain uses (cottage food, family daycare) have separate state preemptions limiting local denial. HOAs may impose additional restrictions under CC&Rs.