Zoning Restrictions: Altadena vs Santa Monica
How do zoning restrictions rules compare between Altadena, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Altadena and Santa Monica 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 →Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
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 uses include dance schools, exercise studios (except 1-on-1 with max 6 clients/day).
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Permit | - | Home occupation permit required |
| Transferable | - | No, void upon moving |
| Prohibited | - | Dance schools, group exercise |
| Exception | - | 1-on-1 training, max 6 clients/day |
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.
Santa Monica FAQ
Can I run a business from my home in Santa Monica?
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 uses include dance schools, exercise studios (except 1-on-1 with max 6 clients/day).
What zoning restrictions apply to home businesses in Santa Monica?
Permit: Home occupation permit required. Transferable: No, void upon moving. Prohibited: Dance schools, group exercise. Exception: 1-on-1 training, max 6 clients/day.
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