Can I operate a business from my home?
Certain types of businesses can operate as a home-based business, while others are not allowed due to zoning restrictions in Sonoma County.
If you are interested in starting a home-based food business, check out the resources under Restaurants and Food Service.
🏙️ Incorporated Cities
Some cities may have you apply for a Home Occupation permit, depending on the nature of your business. Check with your City Planning Department about the viability of operating a business out of your home.
🛤️ Unincorporated Sonoma County
Lucky for you, most home-based operations do not require a Home Occupation permit! There are certain standards and limitations on what these home operations can look like, based on Section 26-88-121 of the County Code. The code lists allowable home occupations, including but not limited to:
- Art and craft work and similar cottage industries that do not involve reportable or regulated quantities of hazardous or flammable substances, where such operations will not generate noise, dust, or odors.
- Office-only use by architects, consultants, owners of e-commerce businesses, and similar uses.
- One-on-one services such as music lessons, tutors, licensed counseling, and massage therapy.
- Tailoring and sewing.
- Other home occupation uses which in the opinion of the planning director are of a similar and compatible nature to those uses described above
Please read the full code for a comprehensive list of prohibited activities, design standards, and operating requirements for home-based businesses in unincorporated Sonoma County.