San Bernardino County, CA Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

Home occupations in unincorporated San Bernardino County are governed by Development Code Chapter 84.07 (Accessory Uses). Home businesses are permitted as accessory uses in residential zones (RS, RL, RM, RR, RC, and RE) as long as the activity remains clearly incidental and subordinate to the primary residential use of the property. The operator must live in the dwelling, no more than 25 percent of the gross floor area of the dwelling may be devoted to the business, and the home must continue to look and function like a single-family residence. Prohibited activities include manufacturing, auto repair, retail sales with on-site customers beyond limited pick-up, kennels, medical clinics, and any use that generates odors, fumes, dust, smoke, glare, or electrical interference detectable beyond the property line. In the High Desert and mountain communities of Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, and Running Springs, additional community plan overlays may further restrict commercial activity on residential parcels. Cottage food operations and microenterprise home kitchens enjoy state-law protection that generally overrides local zoning restrictions.