Santa Clara County allows home occupations in residential zones as an accessory use when clearly incidental to the dwelling, operated by a resident, and limited to 25 percent of floor area.
Under Santa Clara County Zoning Ordinance, home occupations are allowed in most residential and agricultural-residential zones as an accessory use subject to specific performance standards. The business must be conducted entirely within the dwelling or an approved accessory structure, must be operated by a resident of the home, and cannot occupy more than 25 percent of the dwelling floor area. No exterior alterations, storage, or display may signal the presence of a business from the street. The home occupation must not generate unusual traffic, noise, vibration, dust, odor, glare, or electrical interference detectable beyond the property line. Uses like vehicle repair, large-scale manufacturing, kennels, and commercial food service are generally prohibited. Consult Santa Clara County Planning staff before starting operations in unincorporated areas, as each incorporated city within the county has its own home occupation rules.
Operating a home business in violation of zoning can result in administrative citations starting at 100 dollars and escalating to 500 dollars per day. Continued violations may trigger abatement proceedings and referral to the District Attorney.
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