Stockton, CA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

132 sets the permit process, for every home occupation. The business must run from the operator's principal residence, stay incidental and secondary to residential use, and occupy no more than 10 percent of the dwelling's habitable area, including storage and equipment; extra stock not customary to residential use has to be stored off-site. Only residents of the dwelling may work in the business, no advertising signs or merchandise displays are allowed outside, and the activity must be fully enclosed within the living space or an accessory structure, with the garage door shut whenever business is being conducted there.

Gasoline or diesel-powered equipment is barred, and any motor used cannot exceed 15 amps at 110 volts. One commercial vehicle up to a one-ton rated capacity may be kept if parked on-site out of street view. 080. 060 bars specific uses outright, including auto repair, welding, medical clinics, massage, exercise studios, and contractor storage yards, regardless of how the activity might otherwise qualify. Boutique sales of handmade goods and garage sales are exempt from the permit if held four days or fewer per calendar year. 108 for noncompliance or refusing an inspection.