Solano County, CA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- Solano County Code 28.72.40 (Home Occupations)
- Type I
- Family only, no on-site customers
- Type II
- Up to 1 employee on 2+ net acres; limited customers
- Type II retail/sign
- Incidental retail + one small non-illuminated sign
- Approval step
- Business License Zoning Clearance (Planning Services)
Summary
Unincorporated Solano County allows home occupations as an accessory residential use under Zoning Code Chapter 28. Section 28.72.40 defines Type I home occupations (no employees, no customers on site) and Type II home occupations (limited employees, customers, and retail), each with floor-area and operating limits.
Not more than 10 customers or clients shall come to the premises during any one day ... one employee shall be permitted when the property on which the home occupation is located is a minimum of two net acres in size.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 1868, passed April 9, 2026).
Full Breakdown
40. A Type I home occupation is the most restrictive: only family members residing on the premises may work in it, no customers or clients come to the property, and the area used (excluding incidental storage) is capped, with limited incidental storage in an accessory structure. A Type II home occupation is broader: it can permit one employee where the parcel is at least two net acres, allows a limited number of customers/clients per day, permits incidental retail of goods produced on site, and allows one small non-illuminated sign.
Both types must comply with parking, stormwater, and general accessory-use standards. Whether a use qualifies as Type I or Type II is confirmed through the county's Business License Zoning Clearance, which Planning Services reviews against Chapter 28 before any business license is issued. Because exact figures are set in Chapter 28, verify the current square-footage, customer, and employee limits with Planning Services at 707-784-6765.
Violations & Fines
Operating a business that exceeds the Chapter 28 home occupation standards - too many employees, customers, signage, or floor area, or generating off-site impacts like traffic, noise, or storage - converts the use into one that is not permitted in a residential zone and can be pursued as a zoning code-compliance case by Resource Management. The county can require the business to scale back to the allowed home occupation limits or cease operating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a business from my home in unincorporated Solano County?
What is the difference between a Type I and Type II home occupation?
Do I need county approval before starting?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Solano County
How Solano County compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·California rules heatmap·Compare Solano County to another location·View the California home business overview
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