Santa Barbara County, CA Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

Section 35.42.190.C establishes the development standards that govern home occupations in any zone that allows residential use. Only one home occupation is allowed per lot (§ 35.42.190.C.1), and it must be conducted entirely within not more than one room of the dwelling (garages excluded) or entirely within an artist studio; it may not be conducted outside the dwelling or studio. The business must not alter the residential character of the dwelling, with no internal or external alterations not customarily found in residential structures, and must not be discernible from the exterior (§ 35.42.190.C.2). It must be conducted solely by the occupant(s) of the dwelling, with no on-site employees other than residents (off-site employees and partners are allowed if they do not report to the lot) (§ 35.42.190.C.3). No more than five customers, patients, clients, students, or other persons may be served on the lot at any one time (§ 35.42.190.C.5). Equipment must not create radio/TV interference or noise exceeding 65 dBA outside the dwelling (§ 35.42.190.C.6), and no smoke or odor (C.7), outdoor storage (C.8), or non-incidental business vehicles (C.9) are allowed. Business-related deliveries are limited to two per week, exclusive of USPS and commercial parcel carriers (C.13). Properties on septic systems require Public Health Department clearance before permit issuance (C.11). Onsite automotive repair/service and painting of vehicles, trailers, boats or machinery are expressly prohibited as home occupations (§ 35.42.190.C.16).