Home Business in Pasadena, CA (2026)
4 verified home business rules for Pasadena, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning & Home Occupation Permits
Running a business from a Pasadena home requires a nontransferable Home Occupation Permit under Zoning Code Section 17.50.110, which caps the use at 500 square feet, limits staff to household residents, and requires a City Business License once the permit is approved.
Pasadena Home Occupation Permit and Standards
Some RestrictionsPasadena, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 17.50.110(B), (F)
B.Permit requirement. A Home Occupation Permit shall be required before the establishment of a home occupation use. After receiving an application, a permit shall be issued by the Director upon the determination that the proposed home occupation use complies with this Section. ... F.Location and size. A home occupation use shall be conducted entirely within a structure and shall occupy no more ...
Signage Rules
Pasadena bans any on-site sign advertising a home occupation business, even though the underlying activity itself is permitted with a Home Occupation Permit. Municipal Code Section 17.50.110.M allows only off-site paper or electronic advertising, including business cards, provided the ad omits the home's address.
Pasadena Home Occupation Sign Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsPasadena, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 17.50.110.M (Home Occupations - Signs and advertising)
M.Signs and advertising. On-site signs advertising a home occupation use shall not be allowed. Paper and electronic advertisements are allowed (including business cards) as long as they do not include the address of the home occupation permit.
Customer Traffic Restrictions
Pasadena limits when a home-based business can receive customers. Zoning Code Section 17.50.110(J) bars any home occupation from accepting walk-in clients, restricting visits to prior appointments only, scheduled between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., Monday through Friday, with no weekend client visits allowed.
Pasadena Home Business Client Visit Hours
Some RestrictionsPasadena, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 17.50.110(J)
J.Client/customer visits. A home occupation use shall not allow any clients or customers without prior appointments. Client/customer appointments are limited to the hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Home Daycare
Pasadena requires Zoning Administrator approval before anyone opens a large family day-care home for 9 to 14 children in a residential zone. Municipal Code Section 17.50.080.A sets a 300-foot separation from the next large family day-care home or child day-care center, mandates a loading plan for drop-off and pickup, and bars play equipment from the front yard.
Pasadena Large Family Day-Care Home Rules
Some RestrictionsPasadena, CA, Municipal Code § 17.50.080.A
A.Large family day-care home. The establishment of a large family day-care home shall require that an application be filed with and approved by the Zoning Administrator. The application shall be approved if the Zoning Administrator determines that the application complies with the following regulations.1.Minimum separation between day-care homes. Within a residential district, there shall be no...
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