Imperial County, CA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Zones allowed
- R-1 and R-2 residential zones
- Permit required
- Home Occupation Permit, planning director
- Governing chapter
- Division 4, Chapter 4, Title 9
- Standard
- Must stay residential accessory use
Summary
Home occupations are a listed permitted use in Imperial County's R-1 and R-2 residential zones, but only when the owner-occupant obtains a home occupation permit under Division 4, Chapter 4 of the Land Use Ordinance.
The following uses are permitted in the R-1 Zone provided they meet the requirements of this Title: ...g)Home Occupation per Division 4, Chapter 4 of Title 9 Land Use Ordinance (Home Occupation Permit required).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 - 9-25).
Full Breakdown
Imperial County Code § 90502.01 lists home occupations among the by-right permitted uses in the R-1 low-density residential zone, expressly cross-referencing 'Division 4, Chapter 4 of Title 9 Land Use Ordinance' and requiring a Home Occupation Permit. Section 90503.01 extends the same permitted-use listing to the R-2 medium-density zone. The underlying chapter 4 standards (§ 90404.00 et seq.) still require the use to remain a residential accessory activity an average neighbor would not notice, so approval is not automatic even though the use itself is listed as allowed.
Violations & Fines
Running a home occupation in a residential zone without the required permit, or in a way that changes the residential character of the property, can trigger permit denial or revocation by the planning director.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a home business in an Imperial County residential zone?
Do all residential zones in Imperial County allow home occupations?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Imperial County
How Imperial County compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·California rules heatmap·Compare Imperial County to another location·View the California home business overview
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