Sec. 38-108. Home Occupations.

• A. Purpose. The purpose of the home occupation provision is to allow for minor business activities in residences in such a manner that is compatible with their neighborhood.

• B. Conditions. Home occupations are principally permitted uses subject to the following conditions:

  1. No person other than a resident of the dwelling unit shall be engaged or employed in the home occupation and the number of residents employed in the home occupation shall not exceed two.

  2. A home occupation shall not create significant additional vehicular or pedestrian traffic to the residence.

  3. No sign for the home occupation shall be displayed on the house or property.

  4. No advertisement shall be placed in any media (including, but not limited to, newspaper, magazine, telephone directory, radio, television, social media) containing the address of the property.

  5. There shall be no visible storage or display of materials or products.

The Monterey City Code is current through Ordinance 3716, passed February 3, 2026.

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6. There shall be no exterior evidence of the conduct of a home occupation. A home occupation shall be conducted only within the dwelling unit or any accessory structure. Home occupations shall not be permitted out of doors on the property.

7. The conduct of any home occupation shall not reduce or render unusable areas provided for the required off-street parking for the residents nor prevent the number of cars intended to be parked in the garage from being parked.

8. There shall be no process used in the home occupation which is hazardous to public health, safety, or welfare. No toxic, explosive, radioactive, or other restrictive materials not normally used in a single-family dwelling shall be used or stored on the site.

9. There shall be no significant increase in use of utilities such as water, sewer, gas, and electricity beyond that normal to the use of the property for residential purposes.

10. No home occupation shall create noise, odor, dust, vibration, fumes or smoke readily discernible at the exterior boundaries of the parcel on which the occupation is located.

11. A home occupation on rented or leased property must have permission from the owner.

12. A home occupation shall comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

13. A new or expanded use of a home occupation shall obtain zoning review pursuant to Section 38-150.

C. Prohibited Uses. The following uses and activities are prohibited as home occupations. This list, from time to time, may be increased with additional classifications which are found by the Community Development Director to change the character of the dwelling unit or adversely impact the residential neighborhood’s character:

1. Firearms and ammunition retail sales.

2. Sexually oriented businesses.

3. Food catering or production except in compliance with the Cottage Food Act 4 (Government Code Section 51035).

4. Vehicle storage, dismantling, installation, manufacture, repair, or service.

5. Vehicle sale, lease, dispatching, or renting including ecommerce platforms.

6. Welding.

7. Any use that does not comply with the standards set forth in subsection (B) of this section.

D. The failure to comply with the conditions set forth in subsection (B) of this section is a public nuisance. (Ord. 3714 § 9, 2025; Ord. 3620 § 3, 2020)

The Monterey City Code is current through Ordinance 3716, passed February 3, 2026.

Page 197 of 310

Ch. 38 Zoning Ordinance | Monterey City Code