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

Amador County's zoning code (Title 19) addresses home-based businesses in Chapter 19.48 (General Provisions and Exceptions), specifically Section 19.48.125. Home occupations are permitted only in the R1, R1A, RE, A, AG and X districts, and the business must be clearly incidental and subordinate to the residential use of the property. The code limits the home occupation to no more than 25% of the dwelling's floor area, and in no case more than 250 square feet; it may be conducted in an attached garage or detached building subject to that same 250-square-foot maximum. No more than one employee may be employed in the home occupation. Operational limits keep the use neighborhood-compatible: no traffic in greater volume than normally expected in a residential neighborhood, no on-street parking used by the employee, customers or clients, and no equipment or process that creates excessive noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors or electrical interference objectionable to nearby residents. Sales are restricted to products hand-crafted by the proprietor or directly related and incidental to a service provided - so general retail traffic is effectively barred. Because these are zoning standards, confirm the application process and any required clearance with the Amador County Planning Department before operating. State law also overrides this chapter for certain protected home uses (family daycare and, in part, cottage food).