Running a business from home in Nevada City: the local rules

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

What Nevada City's code says

Nevada City code What Nevada City's code adds
Customer visits	No more than 6 vehicle trips per day (3 visits). Applies: Residential zones, unless the applicant shows more traffic will not substantially affect the neighborhood. § 17.72.050 · code text Traffic related to the operation of the business shall be limited to six vehicle trips per day (three visits), unless the applicant can demonstrate that additional traffic will not have any substantial effect on the neighborhood and surroundings; No more than 2 vehicle trips per day (1 visit). Applies: Administrative home businesses. § 17.72.060 · code text Any business-related trips to and from the home shall not exceed two vehicle trips per day (one visit);
Employees	Residents of the home only, and no more than 2 people working in it. Applies: Home businesses in residential zones. § 17.72.050 · code text Such use must be confined to the residents of the dwelling and shall not exceed two (2) persons engaged therein; Only 1 resident of the home. Applies: Administrative home businesses. § 17.72.060 · code text Such use will be confined to one resident of the dwelling;
Permit	A conditional use permit; the business must not change the neighborhood's residential character. Applies: Offices, personal service businesses or light craft work in residential zones. § 17.72.050 · code text A conditional use permit shall be required, with the additional finding required that the proposed home occupation will not interfere or alter the residential nature of the existing neighborhood; Administrative approval through a business license, after a signed statement that the conditions will be met. Applies: Home businesses that meet the administrative home occupation criteria. § 17.72.060 · code text In the case of a home business that meets the criteria below, the city may issue administrative approval in the form of a business license, after receipt of a signed statement from the applicant certifying that the following conditions will be met:
Businesses not allowed	shop or manufacturing use Applies: Administrative home occupations § 17.72.060 · code text The use will not involve a shop or manufacturing use, and will not involve the use of any special equipment that is noticeable at the property lines.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

City rule: residential home businesses may have 2 people engaged and 6 vehicle trips (3 visits) a day.

Running a business from home in Nevada City

Key points

What Nevada City's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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