Calexico Municipal Code Art. II Home Occupations

A. Home occupations may be permitted only when in compliance with the conditions listed herein. A permit must be issued by the planning director prior to operation of such use. The fee shall be in accordance with those adopted by city council resolution.

1. There shall be no stock in trade or exterior storage of materials in the conduct of a home occupation, unless the planning and building services director approves the request of stock in trade or exterior storage of materials.

2. A home occupation shall be conducted entirely within a dwelling, if in an attached or a detached garage shall not impede the use of said garage for vehicle storage. If a resident would like to conduct the home occupation within the attached or detached garage, the resident will have to obtain approval from the planning and building services director and comply with any conditions of approval imposed on the proposed home occupation.

3. No exterior alterations of the dwellings shall be made which would change the residential character of the home to accommodate the home occupation. If the resident wishes to alter the home to accommodate ADA (American Disability Act) and CA Building Code requirements, the applicant will need to obtain approval for the proposed home occupation use and obtain all the proper local, state, and federal permits as well for said home occupation.

4. Electrical or mechanical equipment which creates visible or audible interference in radio or television receivers or causes fluctuations in line voltage outside the dwelling unit shall be prohibited.

5. Only the residents of the dwelling unit may be engaged in the home occupation. If the resident would like to employee individuals that do not reside within the dwelling unit, they will need to obtain approval by the planning and building services director and will be subject to conditions of approval for said business operation.

6. There shall be no sale of goods on the premises. If the resident would like to conduct onsite sales of goods on the premise, the resident must obtain the proper approval and permits from the planning and building services director. The sale of goods on the premise will be subject to hours of operation that will be formulated, imposed and approved by the planning and building services director.

7. The establishment and conduct of a home occupation shall not change the principal character or use of the dwelling unit involved.

8. Business signs to identify the home occupation must be reviewed and approved by the planning and building services director. No more than two signs will be permitted per home occupation. The design, color schemes, and location of home occupation signs are subject to review and approval by the planning and building services director. Resident will need to obtain all local, state, and federal permits related to any structure or use tied to the home business operation.

9. The required residential off-street parking shall be maintained.

10. A home occupation shall not create vehicular or pedestrian traffic in excess of that which is normal for the zone in which it is located.

11. No vehicles or trailers (including pick-up trucks and vans) or construction or other equipment, except those normally incidental to residential use, shall be kept on the site.

12. Home occupation uses are subject to review and approval by the planning and building services director.

13. If a proposed home occupation use is not specifically listed, an applicant may request an interpretation from the planning and building director or designee as to whether or not such use is a permitted use;

In determining whether a proposed use closely resembles a use expressly authorized in the applicable zoning district(s), the planning and building director or designee shall examine the characteristics of the home occupation and use and shall make a determination as to what zone(s) the home occupation and use may be allowed as a primary permitted use or a conditional use permit based on the following criteria:

The requested use is substantially similar to the listed uses permitted in the district in which the request is being sought, as opposed to its similarity to the listed uses permitted in other districts based on the following criteria:

a. The activities involved in or equipment or materials employed in the use;

b. The effects of the use on the surrounding area, such as traffic impacts, noise, dust, odors, vibrations, lighting and glare, impacts on public services and facilities, and aesthetic appearance;

c. The use has a high degree of potential to be consistent, compatible, and homogenous with listed uses;

d. The use is consistent with the stated purpose of the applicable district or districts;

e. The use is compatible with the applicable goals and policies of the comprehensive plan.

f. Unlisted developments and uses for which the planning and building director or designee has made an administrative interpretation as to appropriate zone and type similarity shall be considered to constitute an official interpretation and shall subsequently be applied and used for future administration in reviewing other proposals. The planning and building director or designee shall report such decisions to the planning commission when it appears desirable and necessary to amend this code.

(1992 zoning ord. (part))

(Ord. No. 1221, § 1, 12-15-21)