Santa Clara County Zoning Restrictions Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know

Santa Clara County takes a notably permissive approach to home-based businesses. Under Section 4.10.180 of the zoning ordinance (Appendix I), home occupations are defined as minimal-intensity business activities incidental to the residential use of a property, generally conducted within a dwelling by resident occupants. General home occupations are allowed as a matter of right on any residentially developed property in the unincorporated county — no home occupation permit is required.

The zoning code distinguishes between two categories. "Home Occupations: General" are permitted by right but must comply with use-specific standards covering location and space, employees, traffic, customer and client visitation, nuisance prevention, hazardous materials, vehicles, advertising, signage, and specific use requirements under Section 4.10.180.A. "Home Occupations: Expanded" have greater intensity and require a discretionary special permit, with additional standards for storage, equipment, and materials.

Commercial food preparation is specifically prohibited for home occupations, except for cottage food operations where state statutes preempt local authority. While no permit is required for general home occupations, property owners may request formal county acknowledgment by filing for a home occupation interpretation with the Planning Office. Additional approvals may be needed from other government agencies such as the Department of Environmental Health or the State Board of Equalization, depending on the nature of the business.

This approach is considerably more flexible than many Bay Area jurisdictions, which typically require a formal home occupation permit with fees and inspections.