Running a business from home in San Pablo: the local rules

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

What San Pablo's code says

San Pablo code What San Pablo's code adds
Space used	No more than 300 square feet. Applies: Administrative home occupation permit. A multi-unit live-work project may get more with a planning commission use permit. § 17.60.030 · code text The total area of the residence to be used for the operation of the business shall not exceed three hundred square feet.
Customer visits	No customers or clients may visit. Applies: Administrative home occupation permit. A multi-unit live-work project may get client visits with a planning commission use permit. § 17.60.030 · code text No customers or clients shall visit the home business.
Employees	Only family members who live on the premises. Applies: Administrative home occupation permit. A multi-unit live-work project may get other employees with a planning commission use permit. § 17.60.030 · code text No person other than members of the family residing on the premises shall be engaged in such occupation.
Permit	A home occupation permit and a city business license are required. § 17.18.050 · code text A home occupation permit shall be required for all home occupations.
Businesses not allowed	repair or modification of automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, and similar types of vehicles or equipment; businesses involving operation of a tow truck; trucking businesses § 17.60.030 · code text The repair or modification of automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, and similar types of vehicles or equipment, any business involving the operation of a tow truck, and any trucking business is prohibited as a home occupation. home occupations requiring, using, or expecting to receive materials or supplies of over three tons from a vehicle § 17.60.030 · code text Any home occupation that requires, uses, or expects to receive materials or supplies of over three tons from a vehicle is prohibited.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Can I run a business from my home in San Pablo?

A home business may use at most 300 square feet, with no customer visits and only resident family members working (city rule).

Running a business from home in San Pablo

Key points

What San Pablo's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

Ask about a specific San Pablo property

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