Home Occupations

In residentially-zoned areas, limited income-producing activities may be conducted if they are not harmful to the neighborhood and do not create a parking problem. These include activities such as:

Are Permits Required?

With a few minor exceptions, a building permit is required for any new construction. For home occupations that may have an impact on the neighborhood, a Level 5 Development Permit, issued by the Zoning Administrator after a public hearing, is also required.

For More Information

This brochure summarizes the rules about home occupations. For complete regulations, see the Santa Cruz County Code, Section 13.10.613.

If you have questions about home occupations, please contact the Zoning Information line or consult the Zoning Counter during walk-in hours.

When is a Development Permit Required for a Home Occupation?

When more than one client, student or customer will be present.
When outside employees will be hired. (Not more than five non-residents may be employed in any case.)
When more than one room of the house, or more than 1/5 of the floor area is used.
When there is outdoor storage or activity. (It must be screened from the street and adjoining properties. All noise must be contained within the site boundaries.)
When retail goods are sold which were not produced or assembled on the premises, unless the sales are by mail order.
When a vehicle larger than 3/4 ton, or more than one truck of any size, is used.
When heavy-duty equipment of more than 1/2 horsepower is used.
When it involves the handling of hazardous materials, or of any amount of an acutely hazardous substance.

When is No Development Permit Needed?

When only one client, student or customer will be present at any time.
When the home occupation will be carried on only by full-time residents of the dwelling.
When only one room and less than 1/5 of the floor area is used.
When there is no outdoor storage or activity.
When all retail goods are produced or assembled on the premises, or will be ordered by mail.
When only one vehicle not larger than 3/4-ton pickup truck is used.
When no motor larger than 1/2 horsepower is used.
When no hazardous materials are used.

How to Apply for a Level 5 Development Permit

You will need to make an appointment to submit an application, pay the appropriate fee, and submit a description of the project. Include whatever plans are listed on the "List of Required Information", which the Zoning Counter planner will give you.

Off-Street Parking

In addition to the two or more spaces required for the dwelling, you must provide one space for each vehicle involved in the home occupation. This includes clients', students', customers' and employees' cars as well as trucks and delivery vehicles.

Signs

One unlighted sign not larger than one square foot may be attached to the house or the building where the home occupation will be conducted. If the dwelling and building are set back more than 40 feet from the front of the property line, the sign may be attached to the mailbox.

Toxic Materials

If you will be using any amount, however small, of a chemical preparation such as paint, fiberglass, solvent, resin, oil, caustic acid or gas under pressure, be sure to contact the County Hazardous Materials Program staff through Environmental Health Services.