Ventura County, CA Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

In the unincorporated county, a commercial activity at a home is only a valid accessory use if it qualifies as a home occupation under Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance (NCZO) Sec. 8107-1.2, defined as commercial activity that is clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use of the lot. The ordinance allows home occupations only if operated in accordance with all of the listed standards and upon issuance of a Zoning Clearance. Key standards include: merchandise, produce, materials, or equipment shall not be displayed for advertising purposes; pedestrian or vehicular traffic generated shall not exceed customary residential levels or disrupt traffic patterns; a home occupation shall be conducted only by members of the household occupying the dwelling, with no other persons employed at the dwelling; the home occupation shall not occupy space required for other purposes (such as required off-street parking areas or required setbacks); only one commercial vehicle is allowed per dwelling unit, not exceeding 14,000 pounds rated gross vehicle weight; the existence of the home occupation shall not be evident beyond the property boundaries, with no internal or external alterations not customarily found in a dwelling; and home occupations using or storing highly toxic materials as defined in the Fire Code are prohibited. Food-related home businesses must also comply with the California cottage food law and obtain Environmental Health approval. These standards apply countywide in the unincorporated area; the City of Ventura and other incorporated cities have their own rules.