San Francisco, CA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Max floor area used
- 1/3 of dwelling unit
- Max non-resident employees
- 2 people
- Public-facing office
- Barred except licensed professional
- Show windows/ads
- Prohibited
Summary
San Francisco allows home-based businesses citywide as an accessory use to a dwelling, capped at one-third of the unit's floor area and two non-resident employees.
No use shall be permitted as an accessory use to a dwelling unit in any District that involves or requires any of the following: ... (b) The use of more than one-third of the total floor area of the dwelling unit... (c) The employment of more than two people who do not reside in the dwelling unit, excluding a domestic worker, gardener, or janitor... (i) The conduct of a business office open to the public...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-96: Codes: last updated to include changes made by legislation through Ordinance 133-26, File No. 260686, approved July 23, 2026, effective August 23, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Planning Code Section 204.1 permits a home business as an accessory use in any residential district, but it cannot take over more than one-third of the dwelling unit's floor area, cannot employ more than two people who do not live there (excluding a domestic worker, gardener, or janitor), cannot maintain a stock in trade beyond limited exceptions, and cannot use show windows or advertising displays to attract customers. A business office open to the public is barred unless it is a professional person's office accessible only from inside the dwelling.
Violations & Fines
Planning Department enforcement can require removal of the non-conforming accessory use; unpermitted commercial activity beyond these limits is a zoning violation subject to Planning Code enforcement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a business from my San Francisco home?
Can clients visit my home business in San Francisco?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Francisco
How San Francisco compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·California rules heatmap·Compare San Francisco to another location·View the California home business overview
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