LACO Title 22.140.220 bars commercial auto repair as a home occupation in unincorporated LA County. Residents may work on personally owned vehicles in their own driveway or garage, but cannot run a paid repair business or store customer cars on the property.
Title 22 of the LA County Planning Code, specifically section 22.140.220, defines permitted home occupations and explicitly excludes vehicle repair, body work, painting, engine rebuilding, and similar mechanical services. The rule applies countywide in unincorporated areas including Marina del Rey, Topanga, Altadena, and East LA. Residents may still maintain their own vehicles, but accepting payment, advertising services, storing customer vehicles, or generating regular non-resident traffic crosses into prohibited commercial use. Enforcement runs through complaint-based code enforcement by the Department of Regional Planning and the Department of Public Works, often jointly with LACDPH for hazardous-waste oil and antifreeze. Bureau of Automotive Repair (Bus. & Prof. Code §9880) licensing applies to legitimate commercial shops in proper zones.
Running a residential repair business is a Title 1.25 misdemeanor with daily fines up to $1,000, code-enforcement abatement orders, and possible LACDPH hazardous-waste citations for improper oil, solvent, or coolant disposal on residential property.
Santa Monica, CA
Home occupation permits in Santa Monica are required under SMMC §9.31.160. The permit is valid only for the person issued and void upon moving. Prohibited us...
Santa Monica, CA
Commercial-registered vehicles cannot obtain Overnight Oversize Parking permits in Santa Monica. Commercial vehicles must re-register as non-commercial throu...
See how Santa Monica's auto repair on residential property rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.