Pismo Beach, CA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

1983 Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 17.115. Home occupations are permitted uses in residential zones only while every condition in § 17.115.020 is observed. The operator must hold a business license and a home occupation permit from the city, and the city planner reviews the permit six months after issuance and annually after that. The use stays entirely within the residence, not in an accessory structure or the yard, and takes no more than one room or twenty-five percent of the gross floor area, whichever is less. No one is employed on-site other than residents, no advertising signs are allowed, and no products are displayed or sold on the premises. Traffic cannot rise by more than two vehicles at a time, and not more than three clients or customers can visit at one time, none between seven p.m. and nine a.m. No noise can be generated outside the residence between nine p.m. and nine a.m. Notice of a pending permit is posted at the property at least thirty days before issuance (§ 17.115.070).

1998 Zoning Code, § 17.38.070. Home occupations are accessory uses in all residential zoning districts and need a zoning clearance under § 17.42.020, with a statement of compliance signed by the property owner. Counselors, psychotherapists and massage therapists supply proof of state licensing. The director can approve art work, clothing production, small handcraft and professional offices, and the section prohibits barber and beauty shops, medical and dental offices, vehicle repair, welding and machining, and mini storage. No employees other than the residents of the housing unit are allowed, no more than one client can be on the premises at any time, the use sits entirely within an enclosed structure, and there is no window display, advertising sign or other identification. All parking needs are met off the street on the same site.

Pismo Beach uses two adopted zoning codes. The city's Zoning and Land Use page states that properties inside the Coastal Zone are regulated by the 1983 Zoning Code, and properties outside the Coastal Zone are regulated by the 1998 Zoning Code.