Yuba City, CA Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

Yuba City Municipal Code Section 8-5.5002(b) (Title 8, Chapter 5 Zoning) permits home occupations in any residential district subject to conditions: the residential use must remain the primary activity on the property; the activity must be carried on only by members of the family occupying the dwelling with no other persons employed on-site; there must be no exterior evidence of the business (no outdoor storage, noise, smoke, odors, or vibrations); merchandise sales are limited to items produced on the premises or directly related to services offered; vehicle repair (autos, trucks, motorcycles, boats, trailers) is specifically prohibited as a home occupation; and if the residence is not owner-occupied, written property owner authorization is required. Home occupations exceeding standard limits (e.g., more than one customer at a time) may be approved via a Use Permit under Sec. 8-5.7003 if the Planning Commission finds neighborhood traffic and parking impacts are acceptable. Every Yuba City business — including home-based — must obtain a city business license from the Finance Division; home-based applicants must also complete a Home Occupancy Zoning Clearance prior to license issuance.