While most home occupation rules are local, California Government Code section 65852.2 and Business and Professions Code provisions universally guarantee certain residential uses such as accessory dwelling units and licensed professional offices statewide.
Government Code 65852.2 requires every local jurisdiction to ministerially approve accessory dwelling units that meet state standards, which can be used for home-based work. Business and Professions Code 5555 (architects), 6735 (engineers), and similar provisions confirm licensed professionals' right to office uses subject only to general zoning. Health and Safety Code 1597.40 (large family daycare) and 1597.45 (small family daycare) prohibit local bans on family child care homes. Local agencies must permit these enumerated home uses; broader home occupation rules remain local.
Local agencies that deny ministerial ADU permits or ban statutorily protected home uses face mandamus, attorney fees under Government Code 65589.5, and HCD enforcement referrals to the Attorney General.
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Santa Cruz County, CA
Persistent barking dogs in unincorporated Santa Cruz County are enforced under SCCC Chapter 8.30 (Noise) and Title 6 (Animals). Barking audible 150 feet past...
Santa Cruz County, CA
Santa Cruz County Code Chapter 8.30 (Noise) prohibits any offensive noise between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. in unincorporated areas (including Aptos, Soquel, ...
Santa Cruz County, CA
In unincorporated Santa Cruz County, RVs, boats, and oversized vehicles are regulated under SCCC Title 9 (Vehicles and Traffic) and Title 13 (Zoning). Overni...
Santa Cruz County, CA
Under SCCC Title 6 (Animals), chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons, other fowl, rabbits, and guinea pigs are allowed in the unincorporated county only if they can...
Santa Cruz County, CA
Santa Cruz County Code Title 6 (Animals) requires dogs to be under physical restraint - leash, tether, or in a person's grasp - whenever off the owner's prop...
Santa Cruz County, CA
More than half of Santa Cruz County residents live in the Wildland Urban Interface - one of the highest shares in California. CAL FIRE maps designate most ru...
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