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Kerman · Building on your lot

Running a business from home in Kerman

City code limits a home business to 250 square feet or 15% of the home's floor area, whichever is smaller, inside the main residence.

Key points

  • Home businesses: City code limits a home business to 250 square feet or 15% of the home's floor area, whichever is smaller, inside the main residence.

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

What Kerman's code says

Kerman code What Kerman's code adds
Space used
  • No more than 250 square feet or 15% of the home's total floor area, whichever is smaller.
    Applies: Area of the main home used for the business. The business must be conducted entirely inside the main structure.
    § 17.40.040 · code text
    The total area of the main residence structure used for the operation and conduct of the business shall not exceed two hundred fifty square feet or fifteen percent of the total floor area of the residence, whichever is smaller.
Customer visits
  • No more foot or vehicle traffic or parking demand than is usual for the residential zone.
    § 17.40.040 · code text
    The use shall not generate pedestrian or vehicular traffic or parking demand more than that customarily associated with the residential zone in which it is located.
Employees
  • Employees may be hired, but those who do not live in the home may not report there for business.
    § 17.40.040 · code text
    Employees not residing within the home occupation residence shall not be allowed to physically report to the home occupation residence for business activities.
Permit
  • A home occupation permit is required.
    § 17.40.040 · code text
    A home occupation permit is required to engage in a home occupation.
  • A valid business license is required.
    Applies: Proof of the license is due within 5 days after the home occupation permit is approved, or the permit ends.
    § 17.40.040 · code text
    The home occupation shall be conditionally approved until the applicant submits to the department evidence of a valid business license for the home occupation pursuant to Section 5.04.020 (License — Required — Compliance).
Businesses not allowed
  • commercial kitchens
    Applies: a home occupation may not use a commercial kitchen; § 17.40.040(E) also lists businesses not allowed in residential zones, for example barber and beauty shops, animal grooming or breeding, vehicle repair and detailing, and microenterprise home kitchen operations
    § 17.40.040 · code text
    Commercial kitchens are prohibited.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Can I run a business from my home in Kerman?

City code limits a home business to 250 square feet or 15% of the home's floor area, whichever is smaller, inside the main residence.

General information, not legal advice.

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