FAQs

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Planning - Home Occupation Permit

A home occupation is a profession or other occupation not otherwise permitted in the district, which is conducted as an accessory use on a residential plot by one or more members of the family residing on the premises, and which in residential districts conforms to all conditions in section 21.23.070 of the Municipal Code (as follows):

The profession or other occupation shall be carried on wholly within the main building or not more than one-half of the floor area of the ground floor of the principal building is used for the occupation.
There shall be no exterior storage of materials and equipment, and no other exterior indication of such Home Occupation or variation from the residential character of the principal building.
There shall be no retail sales on the premises.
In particular, a home occupation includes, but is not limited to:
- Art studio
- Dress-making
- Teaching, with musical or dancing instruction limited to a single pupil at a time
- Author
- Artist
- Musician or similar use
A home occupation shall not include:
- Animal hospital
- Automotive repair service
- Barbershop
- Beauty parlor
- Restaurant
- Tea room
- Tavern or similar use
There shall be no signs identifying the business.

2. When is a Home Occupation Application required?: A Home Occupation Permit is required in addition to a Business License any time the proposed use is not normally permitted in a residential zone but meets all conditions in section 21.23.070 of the Municipal Code. Read more about the conditions requiring a Home Occupation Permit.

3. How do I apply for a Home Occupation Permit?

If you have determined or been advised that you need a Home Occupation Permit, you may download and fill out the Home Occupation Application (PDF) and return it, along with your business license application, to:

Administrative Services Department
821 Pine Street
Suite A
Paso Robles, CA 93446

Once approved, the $25 home occupation fee will be invoiced to you along with your business license.