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

Nevada County Code Section 12.03.110 (Home Businesses) provides for limited commercial activity in the residential and rural districts on properties developed with a residence as the primary use, provided the activity does not impact surrounding residential properties. Per the County's Home Business Permit packet, the business must be incidental to the primary residential use and is allowed as an accessory use. Key zoning standards from Section 12.03.110(B): the home business must be owned and operated by a resident of the property; it must be clearly incidental and subordinate to the single-family residence use; and it must be contained entirely within one building. No more than 25% of the floor area of the dwelling unit, or 400 square feet (whichever is greater), may be used for the home business, and no home business may be conducted in more than one accessory building, the use of which may not exceed 1,000 square feet. The business may not alter the appearance of the premises (including lighting, signage, and outdoor activity). No articles may be sold or delivered on-site except articles produced on site. No more than 6 business-related vehicle round-trips per day are allowed, limited to 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday (with limited tutoring exceptions). All business parking must be provided on-site. These standards apply in the unincorporated County only.