Zoning regulations, permit requirements, and restrictions for running a business from your home in San Francisco, CA.
Selling Homemade Food in California (Cottage Food Law)
If your home business involves selling food, California's cottage food law sets separate, statewide rules that apply on top of California's local zoning. Here is the verified current picture:
| Annual sales limit | Class A (direct sales): $75,000/yr; Class B (direct + indirect via stores/restaurants): $150,000/yr. Both caps are adjusted annually for inflation (higher effective figures apply in 2026). |
| Permit / registration | Required — Cottage Food Operation registration (Class A) or permit (Class B), via the local environmental health department |
| Where you can sell | Direct and some indirect/retail sales |
| Labeling required | Yes |
California has two tiers. Class A is direct-to-consumer only; Class B also allows indirect sales through retail. Caps are inflation-indexed under Health & Safety Code 113758.
Source: cdph.ca.gov
· Verified 2026-08-25
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to run a business from home in San Francisco, CA?
Yes, San Francisco requires a home occupation permit. Contact your local planning/zoning department to apply.
Can I have employees work at my home business in San Francisco?
San Francisco allows up to 0 non-resident employee(s) for home-based businesses. Additional restrictions may apply.
What types of businesses can I run from home in San Francisco, CA?
Most business types are allowed as home occupations in San Francisco, with specific exceptions including: Auto repair or body work, Medical or dental offices with walk-in patients, Restaurants or food service with on-site dining, Retail sales with customer foot traffic, Welding or machining, Animal hospitals or kennels. The business must remain secondary to the residential use of the property.
Can I put a sign for my home business in San Francisco?
No, San Francisco does not permit exterior signage for home-based businesses.