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

Mendocino County's inland Zoning Code (Title 20, Division I), Chapter 20.156, governs home occupations on residentially used parcels in the unincorporated interior of the county. Section 20.156.005 declares that the chapter is intended to provide for the accessory use of a dwelling or accessory building(s) on the same parcel as the dwelling for gainful employment involving the manufacture, provision, or sale of goods and/or services, provided the use is clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use of the premises. Under the general standards (Section 20.156.010), the particular uses conducted as the home occupation, and their operation and appearance, must not change or disturb the residential or rural character of the premises or its surroundings. A use permit is not required to conduct a home occupation; however, the use remains subject to all conditions of the Division generally, such as off-street parking, and to all other permits required under the County Code, including building permits and a business license. The Coastal Zone (Division II) and the Town of Mendocino (Division III) have parallel accessory-use provisions for their areas. Operators on rural parcels should also confirm septic capacity and any well or agricultural overlays before adding business activity.