Riverside, CA Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

Riverside's Zoning Code Title 19 permits home occupations in all residential zones as accessory uses. Under RMC Chapter 19.440, a home occupation must be conducted only by residents of the dwelling — no employees may work on-site who do not live there. The business must occupy no more than a limited portion of the floor area (typically 25 percent or one room) and may not alter the outside appearance of the home, including no window displays, exterior signs, or separate entrances. Deliveries by common carrier (UPS, FedEx, USPS) are permitted but commercial delivery trucks that cannot fit on residential streets are not, and outdoor storage of materials, inventory, or equipment is prohibited. Customer or client visits are generally allowed on a very limited basis — often by appointment only and not more than one or two clients at a time — and may not create traffic or parking demand beyond what is normal for a residence. Prohibited home occupations include auto repair, welding, metal plating, kennels, wholesale or retail sales on-premises, commercial food preparation (except cottage food and MEHKO; see below), and any use that generates noise, vibration, odor, dust, glare, or electrical interference beyond the property line. Online businesses, professional services (consulting, bookkeeping), art studios, and remote-work arrangements typically comply without issue. State law (Government Code section 65852.2 and related) protects certain uses such as licensed family daycare homes, which cannot be treated as commercial uses.