Running a business from home in Calimesa: the local rules

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

What Calimesa's code says

Calimesa code What Calimesa's code adds
Employees	Only the people who live in the home may work in the business. § 18.15.090 · code text Only the occupants of the dwelling may be engaged in the home occupation, except for a cottage food operation which is entitled to one nonresident employee. 1 employee who does not live in the home is allowed. Applies: For a cottage food operation only. § 18.15.090 · code text Only the occupants of the dwelling may be engaged in the home occupation, except for a cottage food operation which is entitled to one nonresident employee.
Permit	A home occupation permit is required. Applies: For all home-based businesses, except an employee or contract employee of a licensed business that is not located in a home. § 18.15.090 · code text A home occupation permit shall be required for all home-based businesses except as provided in this subsection (C). No home occupation permit is needed. Applies: For an employee or contract employee of a licensed business, not located in a home, who works from home. § 18.15.090 · code text An employee or contract employee of a licensed business enterprise (not located within a home) may work from home without first obtaining a home occupation permit. A city business license is required. Applies: The license must be obtained right after the home occupation permit takes effect. § 18.15.090 · code text Immediately following the effective date of an approved home occupation permit, the applicant shall obtain a city business license.
Businesses not allowed	barber, beauty shop or hair stylist; businesses involving harboring, training, breeding, raising, or grooming dogs, cats, or other animals; carpentry and cabinet making; food handling, food processing, food warehousing, or food packaging businesses except qualifying cottage food operations; medical and dental offices, clinics, and laboratories; mini storage; repair, fix-it, or plumbing shops; storage of equipment, materials, and other accessories to the construction and service trades; vehicle repair, upholstery, and painting; welding and machining; commercial cannabis activity; any use not allowed in the zone district; and any other use determined not incidental or compatible with residential activities § 18.15.090 · code text The following examples are uses that are not considered incidental to or compatible with residential activities, and are prohibited:

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Can I run a business from my home in Calimesa?

City rule: home businesses need a home occupation permit and a city business license, and only the home's occupants may work there.

Running a business from home in Calimesa

Key points

What Calimesa's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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