Running a business from home in Hercules: the local rules

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

What Hercules's code says

Hercules code What Hercules's code adds
Space used	No more than 1 room or 20% of the home's gross floor area, whichever is greater. § 13-35.270 · code text The area devoted to a home occupation shall occupy no more than 1 room or the equivalent of 20 percent of the gross floor area of the dwelling unit, whichever is greater;
Employees	Only residents of the home. The Community Development Director may allow 1 nonresident employee. Applies: Only if needed, under the resident's direction, not a separate business, not using required parking or causing street parking problems, and unnoticed by neighbors. § 13-35.270 · code text Employment shall be restricted to the dwelling unit residents except where the Community Development Director allows 1 nonresident employee, provided the following findings can be made:
Permit	An administrative use permit is required. § 13-35.270 · code text All home occupations shall require an administrative use permit to be issued by the Community Development Director or designee.
Businesses not allowed	The assembly of employees, workers, subcontractors or equipment for off-site work § 13-35.270 · code text The assembly of employees, workers, subcontractors or equipment for off-site work. The care, treatment, or boarding of animals for profit § 13-35.270 · code text The care, treatment, or boarding of animals for profit. The operation of any service or sales of goods that noticeably increases vehicle traffic in the neighborhood § 13-35.270 · code text The operation of any service or sales of goods that noticeably increases vehicle traffic in the neighborhood. The teaching of organized classes totaling 4 or more persons at any one time § 13-35.270 · code text The teaching of organized classes totaling 4 or more persons at any one time. The repair, service, or rehabilitation of more than 1 vehicle at a time Applies: including storage and parking on the lot or street § 13-35.270 · code text The repair, service, or rehabilitation of more than 1 vehicle at a time including storage and parking on the lot or street as consistent with requirements on vehicle repair as Sections 4-10.04(t) and (v) of the Municipal Code. The storage of toxic or hazardous materials § 13-35.270 · code text The storage of toxic or hazardous materials.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Can I run a business from my home in Hercules?

Hercules home businesses may use 1 room or 20% of the floor area, whichever is greater, and need an administrative use permit.

Running a business from home in Hercules

Key points

What Hercules's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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