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Running a business from home in National City

City rule: residential home businesses need a home occupation permit and business license; no customers, displays or on-site sales.

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Key points

  • Home businesses: City rule: residential home businesses need a home occupation permit and business license; no customers, displays or on-site sales.

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

What National City's code says

National City code What National City's code adds
Customer visits
  • None. Sales and work that need a customer present must take place off the premises.
    § 18.12.090 · code text
    All sales of products and the performance of all service or work that requires the presence of a partner, employee, or customer shall take place off the premises;
Employees
  • Only the resident may work in the business on the premises.
    § 18.12.090 · code text
    No person other than the resident is engaged in the home occupation on the premises;
Permit
  • Yes. A home occupation permit is required first.
    Applies: Home businesses in residential zones.
    § 18.12.090 · code text
    Home occupations are permitted in residential zones as identified in Section 18.21.020 provided that they first receive a home occupation permit.
  • A business license is required.
    Applies: Needed for home occupation permit approval.
    § 18.12.090 · code text
    A business license is procured.
Businesses not allowed
  • display of merchandise
    § 18.12.090 · code text
    There is no display of merchandise;
  • selling stock in trade or commodities upon the premises
    § 18.12.090 · code text
    No stock in trade nor commodity is sold upon the premises;
  • renting space to others in association with a home occupation
    § 18.12.090 · code text
    The resident shall not rent space to others in association with a home occupation;

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Can I run a business from my home in National City?

City rule: residential home businesses need a home occupation permit and business license; no customers, displays or on-site sales.

General information, not legal advice.

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National City Municipal Code — full text