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

Subsection A of Monterey County Code § 20.64.090 establishes the purpose: 'to provide regulations for businesses of limited scale and impact' within residences. Subsection B makes the section applicable in all areas of the County. Subsection C imposes five mandatory operational standards: (1) the occupation must be one that uses facilities, equipment and materials normally found in the home; (2) no persons other than the resident and immediate family residing on site may be employed; (3) all work must be contained inside the residence or inside structures on-site; (4) the home occupation may not generate noxious or toxic odors or fumes, nor cause an increase in traffic above what is normal for the residence; and (5) no advertising of the home occupation is allowed on the property (see signage subcategory). Subsection D allows modification of these standards only by a Coastal Administrative Permit (§ 20.64.090(D)) in the Coastal Zone, or an Administrative Permit under Title 21 for inland areas. Because no non-resident employees and no customers are allowed on-site under the ministerial standard, businesses such as nail salons with walk-in clients, automotive repair, and outdoor manufacturing typically cannot qualify and must seek a discretionary use permit instead.