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Atwater · Building on your lot

Running a business from home in Atwater

Atwater home businesses may use 1/4 of the main residence or 400 square feet, whichever is smallest; only residents may work there.

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Key points

  • Home business: Atwater home businesses may use 1/4 of the main residence or 400 square feet, whichever is smallest; only residents may work there.

Each rule below links to the section of the Atwater Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Atwater's code says

Atwater code What Atwater's code adds
Space used
  • No more than 1/4 of the home's floor area or 400 square feet, whichever is smaller.
    Applies: One home business, including storage and supply space.
    § 17.75.040 · code text
    The total floor area used for the occupation including area for storage and supplies shall be limited to one-fourth of the floor area of the main residence or 400 square feet whichever is smallest.
  • The Planning Commission may allow an additional 200 square feet.
    Applies: With a second home occupation permit.
    § 17.75.040 · code text
    With a second home occupation permit the Planning Commission may grant an additional 200 square feet.
Employees
  • Only residents may do the work. No non-resident may be employed.
    Applies: When the business is conducted inside the residence.
    § 17.75.040 · code text
    The occupation shall be conducted entirely by resident occupants and shall not employ any person who is not a resident when conducted within the residence.
Permit
  • A home occupation permit is required.
    § 17.75.050 · code text
    Planning staff shall review the application and issue the home occupation permit.
Businesses not allowed
  • on-premise commercial activity such as buying or selling a product directly to a customer
    Applies: telephone or mail order sales are allowed
    § 17.75.040 · code text
    On premise commercial activity such as buying or selling a product directly to a customer is not permitted. Telephone or mail order sales are permitted.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Can I run a business from my home in Atwater?

Atwater home businesses may use 1/4 of the main residence or 400 square feet, whichever is smallest; only residents may work there.

General information, not legal advice.

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Atwater Municipal Code — full text