The provisions of this chapter allow for conducting home-based occupations which are incidental to and compatible with surrounding residential uses. A home occupation represents a legal income producing activity by the occupant of the dwelling.
(Prior code § 159.54.010; Ord. 696 11-19-19)
A. 
Conducting a home occupation requires the approval of the Director who may establish conditions to further the intent of this chapter. An application for a Home Occupation Permit shall be on a form prescribed by the Director and shall be filed with the Department pursuant to Chapter 17.68 (Applications and Fees).
B. 
No Home Occupation Permit shall be required for an in-home educational activity, including, but not limited to, music lessons, academic tutoring, or religious instruction, provided that no more than 5 students are present at any 1 time, and the use complies with all of the operating standards outlined below.
(Prior code § 159.54.020; Ord. 696 11-19-19)
Home occupations shall comply with all of the following operating standards:
A. 
No home occupation shall alter the appearance of the dwelling unit;
B. 
There shall be no displays, sale or delivery of merchandise, or advertising signs on the premises;
C. 
No vehicles with commercial advertisements are stored where visible from a public right-of-way;
D. 
No signs other than the address and name of the resident shall be permitted;
E. 
No advertising which identifies the home occupation by street address shall be permitted;
F. 
In the course of doing business, no employees or customers appear at the home address to transact business;
G. 
A limit of 1 vehicle no larger than a 3/4 ton truck may be used by the occupant directly or indirectly in connection with a home occupation;
H. 
Home occupations shall not encroach into any required parking, setback, or open space areas;
I. 
There shall be no use or storage of material or mechanical equipment not recognized as being part of a normal household or hobby use;
J. 
Activities conducted and equipment or material used shall not change the fire safety or occupancy classifications of the premises. Utility consumption shall not exceed normal residential usage;
K. 
No use shall create or cause noise, dust, light, vibration, odor, gas, fumes, toxic/hazardous materials, smoke, glare, or electrical interference or other hazards or nuisances;
L. 
Only the occupants of the dwelling may be engaged in the home occupation;
M. 
The home occupation shall not involve the use of commercial vehicles for delivery of materials to or from the premises;
N. 
The home occupation shall not generate pedestrian or vehicular traffic in excess of that ordinarily associated with the land use district in which it is located;
O. 
No home occupation shall be initiated until a current business license is obtained, pursuant to the Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code;
P. 
Home occupation permits shall not be transferable;
Q. 
There shall be no more than 1 home occupation in any dwelling unit;
R. 
If the home occupation is to be conducted on rental property, the property owner’s written authorization for the proposed use shall be obtained prior to the submittal for a Home Occupation Permit; and
S. 
Any special condition established by the Director and made part of the record of the Home Occupation Permit, as deemed necessary to carry out the intent of this chapter.
(Prior code § 159.54.030; Ord. 696 11-19-19)
The following are examples of uses that are not incidental to nor compatible with residential activities, and are prohibited:
A. 
Barber and beauty shop;
B. 
Businesses which entail the harboring, training, breeding, raising, or grooming of dogs, cats, or other animals on the premises;
C. 
Carpentry and cabinet making;
D. 
Medical and dental offices, clinics, and laboratories;
E. 
Mini-storage;
F. 
Repair, fix-it, or plumbing shops;
G. 
Storage of equipment, materials, and other accessories to the construction and service trades;
H. 
Vehicle repair (body or mechanical), upholstery, and painting;
I. 
Manufacturing, warehousing and distribution;
J. 
Welding and machining; and
K. 
Any other use determined by the Director to be not incidental nor compatible with residential activities.
(Prior code § 159.54.040; Ord. 696 11-19-19)
Microenterprise home kitchen operations (“MEHKO”), as defined by the Health and Safety Code, may operate within the City only under the following conditions:
A. 
The MEHKO is duly permitted by the County of Riverside;
B. 
The MEHKO complies with the operating standards under Section 17.108.030, except for the following subsections:
1. 
17.108.030(F),
2. 
17.108.030(I),
3. 
17.108.030(L),
4. 
17.108.030(M),
5. 
17.108.030(P),
6. 
17.108.030(Q),
7. 
17.108.030(R), and
8. 
17.108.030(S).
C. 
Onsite consumption of food is permitted pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections 113825 and 114367.2;
D. 
The MEHKO complies with all applicable sections of this code, including, but not limited to, the following:
1. 
Title 4, Code Enforcement,
2. 
Title 5, Business Licenses and Regulations,
3. 
Title 10, Vehicles and Traffic, and
4. 
Chapter 8.12, Noise Control.
(Ord. 696 11-19-19)
A Home Occupation Permit may be revoked or modified by the Director if any one of the following findings can be made:
A. 
That the use has become detrimental to the public health, safety, or traffic, or constitutes a nuisance;
B. 
That the permit was obtained by misrepresentation or fraud;
C. 
That the use for which the permit was granted has ceased or was suspended for 6 or more consecutive calendar months;
D. 
That the condition of the premises, or the area of which it is a part, has changed so that the use is no longer justified under the meaning and intent of this chapter;
E. 
That one or more of the conditions of the Home Occupation Permit have not been met; or
F. 
That the use is in violation of any statute, ordinance, law, or regulation.
(Prior code § 159.54.050; Ord. 696 11-19-19)