San Ramon, CA Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

San Ramon regulates home-based businesses through the Home Occupation Permit provisions in the zoning code and requires a citywide Business License under the Municipal Code. The permit and license process is designed to allow residents to operate small businesses from home while preserving residential character. Eligible home occupations include professional services (consulting, tutoring, design, writing), online retail (no warehousing), home offices for outside-based businesses, and similar low-impact uses. Standards generally require: the business must be conducted entirely within the dwelling or an approved accessory structure; no more than 25% of the dwelling floor area may be used for the business; no employees other than family members residing in the home; no on-site sales of products to walk-in customers (online fulfillment/shipping is generally fine); no outdoor storage of materials, equipment, or inventory; no signage visible from outside; no increase in traffic beyond what is customary for residential use; no noise, odor, vibration, dust, or light detectable beyond the property; and no use of hazardous materials. Prohibited home occupations typically include auto repair, large-scale manufacturing, kennels, adult businesses, and any use requiring frequent customer visits. The Home Occupation Permit is a ministerial approval through Planning Services, and the Business License is obtained through Finance. Cottage Food Operations under California AB 1616/AB 1240 follow separate state registration rules administered through the county environmental health department. HOAs often add their own home-business restrictions.