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

Home occupations in unincorporated Monterey County are governed by Section 21.64.090 of the Title 21 (inland) zoning ordinance and the parallel Section 20.64.090 in the Title 20 coastal zoning ordinance. The home occupation must be a business of limited scale and impact, and it is allowed by right in residential and farmland districts (for example, Section 21.30.030(N) lists home occupations as a use allowed in the F/Farmlands district). The County imposes five operating standards: (1) the occupation must use facilities, equipment and materials normally found in the home, such as typing, tailoring, data processing, ceramics, music lessons, or lawn-mower repair, without altering the residential appearance; (2) no persons other than the resident and immediate family residing on site may be employed; (3) all facets of the home occupation must be contained in the residence or inside accessory structures on-site; (4) the use may not produce noxious or toxic odors or fumes, or increase noise or traffic above ordinary residential levels; and (5) there shall be no advertising for the home occupation on the property. A business that needs outside employees, on-site customers, or outdoor activity cannot qualify as a ministerial home occupation and must seek an Administrative Permit (or, in the coastal zone, a Coastal Administrative Permit under Section 20.64.090(D)).