A home occupation is a business that you operate from your home as a secondary use. The primary use of the home is your residence. The business can be in a single or multi-family home.

The business cannot alter the residential character of the neighborhood. This means there cannot be external evidence of its operation. For example, your neighbors should not be able to see that you are running a business in your home.

Home occupation permits are not required for people who work from home for a company that is located elsewhere.

Conditions

• Generally, one home occupation permit is allowed per residence. More than one may be approved if:
  • The residence maintains it’s residential character;
  • The additional permit does not require an additional commercial vehicle;
  • It does not exceed 20 percent of the floor area of the residence; and
  • The additional permit is compatible with the existing home occupation.
• A maximum of two residents are allowed to be part of the home occupation.
• You cannot display or sell goods, samples, materials, or other objects on the property.
• You are allowed to temporarily store materials as long as the storage does not create a health or safety problem or a neighborhood nuisance.
• Customers may not be served on the property.
• Exceptions include if you are providing educational services (such as piano lessons), customers may be on the premises as long as: 
  • It does not generate pedestrian or car traffic beyond normal for your neighborhood; and
  • It does not create a neighborhood nuisance.
• You cannot use more than 20 percent of the total floor area of the residence for the home occupation.
• You cannot display signs, nameplates, or any other form of advertising.
• Home offices are allowed if they meet accessory structure requirements. Other types of additions, alterations, or remodels connected to the home occupation are not allowed.
• The home occupation must operate from the main portion of the home. It cannot operate from a garage, basement, or shed.
• Only one commercial vehicle is allowed.
• Tools and equipment may be stored, but cannot be used on the property.

Licensed contractors

Contractors can operate as home occupations if they meet the general conditions listed above plus the following conditions:

1. The only activity allowed to be conducted in the home is a home office.
2. No employees other than up to two who reside in the home are allowed on the property. The property cannot be used as a meeting or gathering place for business activities.
3. You cannot store or accumulate building or landscape materials associated with the business on the property. This includes debris or refuse associated with the business.
4. All equipment and tools must be stored indoors. You cannot store heavy equipment (such as dump trucks, trailers, backhoes, scaffolding, etc.) on the property. Exceptions include tools and machines normally used on a residential property are allowed.

Home occupations not allowed in residential districts

The following business types are not allowed as home occupations in residential districts:

• Repair, manufacturing, processing or alteration of goods, materials or objects. Exceptions include dressmaking, tailoring, and the manufacturing of arts and crafts for off-premise sale (as long as no equipment or process used that has a negative impact on the neighborhood).
• Activity that involves food handling, processing, or packing.
• Harboring, training, or raising dogs, cats, birds, horses or other animals.
• Automobile service and/or auto body and fender repair.

Fees

A home occupation permit application costs $100. Additional business license fees are required separately.

Apply for a home occupation permit

Related permits and licenses

You are also required to get a business license. You should get the home occupation permit first. You’ll want to make sure that you are allowed to operate your business before getting a business license.

For food-based businesses, see home-based cottage food operations.

Questions to ask yourself

• Will my neighbors know I’m operating a business in my home?
• Does the business require any significant changes to the property?
• Will the business require more than 20 percent of the residence?
• Will there be more than two people working on the premises? Do any of them live somewhere else?

Forms and documents

• Home occupation permit application form

Contact

Planning staff
Call (925) 256-3558
Email DutyPlanner@walnut-creek.org