Tuolumne County Zoning Restrictions Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know
Some RestrictionsKey Facts
- Location
- Must be inside dwelling or private garage
- Operators
- Exclusively inhabitants of the dwelling
- Employees on Site
- Not permitted
- Outdoor Storage
- Not permitted
- Signage
- One sign, 2 sq ft or less
- Zoning Code
- Title 17 — Home Occupation provisions
The Short Version
Tuolumne County allows home occupations under Title 17 (Zoning Ordinance) subject to strict conditions. The business must be conducted entirely within the dwelling or private garage, exclusively by the inhabitants, and must be incidental to the residential use of the property. No employees may come to the location, no outdoor storage is allowed, and only one name sign (2 square feet or less) is permitted. Businesses that don't fit these criteria require a zone change or use permit.
Full Breakdown
Tuolumne County permits home occupations under the Title 17 Zoning Ordinance, but the rules are designed to ensure the business doesn't change the residential character of the neighborhood.
To qualify as a home occupation, your business must meet all of the following conditions: it must be conducted entirely within your dwelling unit or private garage; it must be conducted exclusively by the people who live in the dwelling; the business must be incidental to the residential use of the parcel (meaning your home is still primarily a residence, not a commercial operation); it cannot change the residential character of the parcel; no outdoor storage of business materials, equipment, or inventory is allowed; no employees or business associates may come to the property; and only one name sign is permitted, limited to 2 square feet, showing the owner's name and/or business name.
If your business doesn't fit within these home occupation parameters — for example, if you need employees on site, customer visits, or outdoor operations — you'll need to either apply for a zone change or a conditional use permit through the Community Development Department.
Cottage food operations (home-based food businesses) have different regulations than standard home occupations and are governed by California's Cottage Food Law (AB 626/AB 1616). Contact the county Environmental Health Division for those requirements.
Title 17 is currently undergoing a multi-year update to align with the 2018 General Plan, which may eventually modify home occupation rules.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Illegal home occupations are a common Code Compliance complaint. Violations are enforced under Chapter 1.10 with penalties starting at $100 for failure to correct a zoning violation, escalating to $1,000. The county may require the business to cease operations or obtain proper permits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a business from my home in Tuolumne County?
Can I have customers come to my home business?
What if my business doesn't qualify as a home occupation?
Are cottage food operations treated differently?
Sources & Official References
How does Tuolumne County compare?
See how Tuolumne County's zoning restrictions rules stack up against other locations.