Santa Clarita Zoning Restrictions Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Chapter 17.65 of the Santa Clarita Municipal Code establishes the Home Occupation Permit (HOP) system for home-based businesses. All home-based businesses require a HOP from the Planning Division, which is classified as a Class II application with a $51 fee. Permitted uses include telecommuting, business and professional offices (excluding medical or dental offices with patient visits), and instruction in academic, music, art, dance, or similar activities with no more than five pupils at a time.

The code establishes strict requirements to preserve the residential character of neighborhoods across Valencia, Saugus, Newhall, and Canyon Country. Only one home occupation is permitted per dwelling unit. The business must be conducted entirely within the dwelling, with no permanent work area built in the required 10x20-foot garage parking area. Only residents of the dwelling may be engaged in the home occupation, and no outside employees are permitted. The establishment and conduct of the home occupation must not change the principal character or use of the dwelling.

Numerous business types are expressly prohibited from operating as home occupations, including food preparation (except cottage food operations), alcohol and firearm sales, massage therapy, hairdressing, retail sales, vehicle storage/sales/repair/dispatch, furniture or cabinet making, commercial kennels, cannabis operations, and adult businesses. The home occupation permit becomes null and void if the use becomes detrimental to public health, safety, and welfare, or constitutes a nuisance.