Zoning Restrictions: Altadena vs Downey
How do zoning restrictions rules compare between Altadena, CA and Downey, CA?
Altadena and Downey have similar restriction levels.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Home occupations in unincorporated LA County are regulated under Title 22 zoning. A county business license is required. The business must be incidental to residential use with no exterior evidence of commercial activity. Zoning determines which home-based activities may require a conditional use permit.
View full Altadena rules →Downey, CA
Los Angeles County
Home businesses in Downey must comply with zoning regulations. Business license/tax certificate required. Home occupations must not change the residential character of the neighborhood.
View full Downey rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Downey |
|---|---|---|
| Business License | Required from LA County | - |
| Zoning | Must be incidental to residential use | - |
| CUP | May be needed for some activities | - |
| DBA Filing | County clerk if using business name | - |
| License | - | Business license required |
| Character | - | Must remain residential |
| Employees | - | Restrictions apply |
| Signage | - | Generally not permitted |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
Do I need a permit to work from home in LA County?
If your work is limited to computer/phone-based activities with no clients visiting, no inventory, and no signage, you may not need a home occupation permit. But a county business license is still required. Contact the Department of Regional Planning at (213) 974-6411 to confirm.
How much of my home can I use for business?
No more than 20% of the home's floor area under Title 22 home occupation standards. The business must be clearly secondary to the residential use of the property.
What businesses are not allowed at home?
Businesses involving on-site retail sales, customer traffic, exterior storage, hazardous materials, noise/odor beyond the property line, or more than 20% floor area use. Auto repair, manufacturing, and similar activities are prohibited.
Downey FAQ
Can I run a business from my home in Downey?
Home businesses in Downey must comply with zoning regulations. Business license/tax certificate required. Home occupations must not change the residential character of the neighborhood.
What zoning restrictions apply to home businesses in Downey?
License: Business license required. Character: Must remain residential. Employees: Restrictions apply. Signage: Generally not permitted.
Compare other topics
See how Altadena and Downey compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool