A home occupation is the operation of a business in a residence. Within certain guidelines, some occupations are permitted in any of the following districts: RE, RH, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-3-A, RM, RM-CZ, and PAD. Section 6102.46 of the Zoning Regulations establishes limits for home occupations. Customary, incidental home occupations conducted within a dwelling are allowed (with no separate permit requirement), provided that no retail business of any sort is involved; no stock in trade is kept, or commodity sold, except for the sale of commodities made on the premises; no person not a resident of the premises is employed; and an area not larger than one-fourth (1/4) of the floor area of the ground floor of the dwelling is devoted to such home occupation; provided, however, that such home occupation shall not require internal or external alterations, or involve construction features, or use of equipment not customary in dwellings; that the entrance to the space devoted to such occupation be from within the building and that no display pertaining to such occupation be visible from the street.
Regarding signage, only one sign or name plate, not exceeding two (2) square feet in area and containing the name and occupation only, shall be permitted in connection with each such home occupation, which sign or name plate shall be attached flat to the dwelling and shall not be illuminated. Please see the Definition of Home Occupations in San Mateo County.