Riverside County, CA Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

Under Riverside County Ordinance 348 (Land Use Ordinance), Section 18.28 governs home occupations in unincorporated areas. A home occupation is permitted as an accessory use in any zone that allows single-family residences (R-1, R-R, R-A, R-D, W-2, A-1, A-2, etc.) provided the activity is conducted entirely within the dwelling or a permitted accessory structure. The occupation must be operated by a resident of the dwelling, and non-resident employees are generally prohibited. No more than 25 percent of the combined floor area of the dwelling and accessory structures may be devoted to the home occupation. Storage of materials, stock-in-trade, or equipment outside the enclosed structure is prohibited, and no alteration of the residential appearance of the property is permitted. Retail sales to walk-in customers are typically not allowed except for articles produced on the premises. The activity must not create noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odor, heat, glare, or electrical interference detectable beyond the property line, and must comply with all California Building Code and Fire Code requirements. Certain high-impact uses (auto repair, welding, kennels, medical labs, etc.) are expressly prohibited as home occupations and require full commercial zoning.