Pleasanton, CA Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

Under the City of Pleasanton Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 18.104 (Home Occupations), home occupations are permitted in agricultural (A) and residential (R) districts subject to required conditions. Section 18.104.030 requires that the home occupation: be conducted by residents of the dwelling; not occupy more than one room of a dwelling or more than 50 square feet of an accessory building or garage; not inhibit storage of vehicles in a garage; involve only the manufacture of handmade objects (if manufacturing); be incidental and subordinate to the residential use; not create radio or television interference, or noise in excess of that normally created in the district; not emit smoke, odor, or liquid or solid waste in excess of the amount normally created; not create pedestrian or vehicular traffic in excess of the amount normally generated; have deliveries made only by the permittee; and not use any vehicle exceeding one ton in size. No signs are permitted (per Section 18.96.040), and the home occupation must not be visually apparent beyond the boundaries of the site. Section 18.104.040 prohibits certain home occupations, including gunsmiths and firearm sales (with a grandfather provision for previously licensed dealers). A separate, lower tier under Section 18.104.020 exempts purely office-type or minor arts-and-crafts activities from needing a permit when no clients come to the premises, no signs are used, and the activity occupies no more than one room.