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Solvang · Building on your lot

Running a business from home in Solvang

Solvang limits a home business to 25% of the home or 500 square feet, whichever is less, and 1 on-site employee besides residents.

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Key points

  • Home businesses: Solvang limits a home business to 25% of the home or 500 square feet, whichever is less, and 1 on-site employee besides residents.

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

What Solvang's code says

Solvang code What Solvang's code adds
Space used
  • No more than 25% of the home's floor area or 500 square feet, whichever is less.
    § 11-12-11 · code text
    No home occupation activity shall occupy more than 25% of the total floor area of the dwelling, or a maximum of 500 square feet, whichever is less.
Customer visits
  • 1 student at a time and no more than 3 classes per day.
    Applies: Music, dance, physical and educational lessons inside the home, between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
    § 11-12-11 · code text
    Music, dance, physical and educational instruction limited to one student at a time and no more than three classes per day between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. conducted within the residence (i.e., not within a garage, accessory structure or outdoors).
  • Customers do not visit the home.
    Applies: Repair of small non-hazardous items for mobile businesses.
    § 11-12-11 · code text
    Repair of small non-hazardous items (i.e., sewing, jewelry, clocks, computer repair, etc.) for mobile businesses where customers do not visit the dwelling.
Employees
  • At most 1 employee on site.
    Applies: In addition to the full-time residents of the home.
    § 11-12-11 · code text
    A home occupation may have a maximum of one employee on site in addition to the full-time residents of the dwelling.
Permit
  • A Home Occupation Permit and a Business Certificate are required.
    § 11-12-11 · code text
    In conjunction with the home occupation permit, the applicant shall obtain and maintain a Business Certificate in compliance with Title 3 of the Solvang Municipal Code.
Businesses not allowed
  • On-site sales of products or services, unless this section allows them; automotive and other vehicle repair and services, detailing, painting, storage, or upholstery; welding and machine shop operations, and carpenter, wood working or cabinet making, except on properties larger than 20,000 square feet; personal services and personal services, restricted; uses that require explosives, highly combustible materials, or toxic materials; wood cutting businesses; medical and dental offices; veterinary clinics, animal hospitals and animal boarding; construction contractor facilities and/or outside storage (an office-only use is allowed); adult-oriented businesses; and other uses the Community Development Director finds similar or not compatible with residential uses
    § 11-12-11 · code text
    The following uses shall be prohibited:

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Can I run a business from my home in Solvang?

Solvang limits a home business to 25% of the home or 500 square feet, whichever is less, and 1 on-site employee besides residents.

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Solvang property

Ask GoCodebook how Solvang's running a business from home rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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Solvang Municipal Code — full text