Rohnert Park, CA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

' Those criteria require that the primary use remain the residence of the person conducting the occupation, that the occupation be 'conducted entirely within the principal dwelling,' with a garage off-limits if using it would interfere with vehicle storage, and that there be 'no exterior indication of home occupation,' meaning no change to the dwelling's colors, materials, construction, lighting or signage that would make it look non-residential. Outdoor storage, parking or display of business equipment is banned outright, except for one business vehicle up to one-ton capacity.

Staffing is capped: 'no more than one person other than resident(s) of the dwelling shall be employed on-site or report to work,' a limit that also reaches independent contractors, with a carve-out for licensed child care employees. Additional criteria bar large-appliance or vehicle repair at the home, cap any electric motor at one-half horsepower, one horsepower total across multiple motors, require any food preparation for retail sale to first clear the health department, and limit deliveries to typical residential carriers like USPS, UPS, or light vans.

' Applicants submit a written description of the proposed use, including employee count, floor space and vehicle use, plus a signed statement agreeing to the criteria.