Running a business from home in Hayward: the local rules

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

What Hayward's code says

Hayward code What Hayward's code adds
Customer visits	Up to 2 customers on site at one time. Applies: For Class A cottage food operations selling directly, in Downtown Zones (NE, NG, UN, DT-MS, UC). § 10-28.3.5.040 · code text Class A CFOs are allowed to engage in direct sale, including up to two customers on-site at one time; Customers only between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily; outdoor customer activity must stop at sunset. Applies: For home occupations in Downtown Zones (NE, NG, UN, DT-MS, UC). § 10-28.3.5.040 · code text Customers/clients are only allowed to patron the home occupation between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily. Outdoor customer or client activity must cease at sunset.
Employees	Only residents of the home. Applies: In the NE and NG Zones. § 10-28.3.5.040 · code text In NE and NG Zones, employees of the home occupation are limited to residents of the dwelling. Up to 2 employees who do not live in the home may work inside it. Applies: In the UN, DT-MS and UC Zones. § 10-28.3.5.040 · code text In UN, DT-MS, and UC Zones,up to two employees of the home occupation other the residents of the dwelling are allowed to work within the dwelling. 1 employee on site, not counting residents of the home. Applies: For cottage food operations in Downtown Zones (NE, NG, UN, DT-MS, UC). § 10-28.3.5.040 · code text There may be one employee onsite, excluding residents of the dwelling;
Permit	A business license. § 10-28.3.5.040 · code text A home occupation requires the approval of a business license consistent with Chapter 8-1 (Business Licenses) of the Hayward Code. An annual license fee of $6.70. Applies: For dressmaking, alterations, hemstitching or similar work at home, with no employees and no other specific license. § 8-1.75 · code text Every person conducting, managing or carrying on the business of dressmaking, alterations, hemstitching or other similar activity, at his residence, and does not employ others, and who is not elsewhere specifically licensed, shall pay an annual license fee of six dollars and seventy cents ($6.70).
Businesses not allowed	adult entertainment activities; banks and financial institutions; organized classes totaling more than six persons at one time; businesses involving hazardous materials unless approved by the Fire Chief; communication facilities; eating and drinking places; funeral and interment services; laundry and dry-cleaning services; on-site vehicle-related uses; pet day care for more than four household pets; repair work of any kind; treatment or boarding of animals for profit; transient habitation, except for bed and breakfasts where allowed; any use not allowed in the applicable zone Applies: Home occupations in Downtown Zones (NE, NG, UN, DT-MS, UC) § 10-28.3.5.040 · code text The following uses are not allowed as a home occupation:

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Can I run a business from my home in Hayward?

In Hayward's Downtown Zones, home businesses may run 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; NE and NG zones allow residents only, others 2 employees.

Running a business from home in Hayward

Key points

What Hayward's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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