Home-Based Business Regulations in Concord
Home-based businesses are permitted as an accessory use in all residential districts within the City of Concord, provided they remain incidental to the primary residential use and comply with specific performance and operational standards. A home-based business permit is required to establish any home-based business, and operators must adhere to strict limitations on employees, clientele, and the use of the residence to maintain neighborhood character.
Permitted Districts and Requirements
Home-based businesses are authorized in any district where residential uses are allowed [Section 18.200.100(A)]. These businesses are considered an accessory use to the residential dwelling and must be conducted entirely within the principal dwelling, an attached structure, or a legally permitted, detached accessory structure [Section 18.200.100(B)(1)].
Operational Standards
To ensure that home-based businesses in the City of Concord do not disrupt the residential character of a neighborhood, the following operational requirements apply:
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Space Limitation | Maximum of 20% of the dwelling unit’s habitable square footage |
| Employees | Maximum of one nonresident employee; hours limited to 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Clients/Customers | Generally prohibited, except for individual home tutoring (max 6 students/day) |
| Business Vehicles | Maximum of one vehicle up to one-ton capacity |
| Deliveries | Limited to frequency and vehicle types associated with residential neighborhoods |
Prohibited Home-Based Businesses
Certain types of businesses are expressly prohibited from operating as a home-based business in the City of Concord:
- Automotive service, diagnosis, or repair to vehicles, large machinery, equipment, or large appliances [Section 18.200.100(C)(1)].
- Beauty salons and barber shops [Section 18.200.100(C)(2)].
Permit Procedures
Any person desiring to operate or establish a home-based business in the City of Concord must file an application and pay the required fees for a home-based business permit [Section 18.200.100(D)(1)].
If a business relies on nonstudent clientele visiting the residence, the operator may apply for an administrative permit to allow up to six nonstudent clientele per day, with one client at a time, subject to notice to property owners within 100 feet [Section 18.200.100(D)(2)]. Similarly, education-related tutoring services may be increased to up to eight students per day (two at a time) via an administrative permit and notice [Section 18.200.100(D)(3)].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.200.100: Home-based businesses