Walnut Creek, CA Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

Walnut Creek Zoning Code regulates home occupations to preserve residential neighborhood character. A Home Occupation Permit is required before operating any business from a residence. The home business must be conducted entirely within the dwelling (no use of garages as customer-facing space without conversion), must be incidental and subordinate to the primary residential use, and cannot occupy more than approximately 25% of the gross floor area. Only residents of the dwelling may be employed on-site — no non-resident employees may work at the home. There must be no exterior evidence of the business: no signage, no stock visible from outside, no equipment creating noise, odors, vibration, electrical interference, or dust that extends beyond the property. Customer visits are typically limited or prohibited depending on the business type. Merchandise deliveries beyond normal residential parcel volume are not allowed. Certain activities are categorically prohibited as home occupations, including auto repair, welding, kennels, animal hospitals, restaurants, medical/dental clinics with walk-in patients, and any use requiring hazardous materials. A separate City Business License is required from the Finance Department, with annual fees based on gross receipts. State professional licenses and seller's permits apply as applicable. Cottage food operations (AB 1616) have their own county-administered registration under the Contra Costa Environmental Health Division.