Zoning Restrictions: Burbank vs Lancaster
How do zoning restrictions rules compare between Burbank, CA and Lancaster, CA?
Burbank and Lancaster have similar restriction levels.
Burbank, CA
Los Angeles County
Burbank Municipal Code 10-1-672 limits a home occupation to no more than the greater of 400 square feet or 20 percent of the combined dwelling/accessory floor area, restricts work to residents of the dwelling (one non-resident allowed only for a cottage food operation), and confines the activity and storage to inside the dwelling or an enclosed roofed accessory structure that is not a garage. A maximum of two home occupations may be conducted per residence.
View full Burbank rules →Lancaster, CA
Los Angeles County
Lancaster allows home occupations in residential zones with conditions. Business license required. Use must be secondary to residential character.
View full Lancaster rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | BMC 10-1-672 (Specific Restrictions) | - |
| Max Floor Area | Greater of 400 sq ft or 20% of dwelling+accessory | - |
| Max Home Occupations | 2 per residence | - |
| Employees | Residents only (1 non-resident for cottage food) | Typically none on-site |
| Location | Inside dwelling or enclosed non-garage structure | - |
| Motor Power Cap | 1 HP per motor, 2 HP total (110/220V) | - |
| Permit | - | Home occupation permit required |
| Customers | - | Limited or none |
| External Signs | - | Prohibited |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Burbank FAQ
How much of my Burbank home can I use for a home business?
Under BMC 10-1-672.D, the home occupation(s) may cumulatively occupy no more than the greater of 400 square feet, or 20 percent of the combined square footage of the dwelling unit and any non-garage accessory structure, or the Health-Department-permitted kitchen area for a cottage food operation.
Can I hire employees to work at my Burbank home business?
Generally no. BMC 10-1-672.C limits on-premises work to the resident owner(s) and other residents of the dwelling unit. No non-resident may work on the premises, with one exception: a cottage food operation is entitled to one non-resident employee.
Can I run my home business out of my garage in Burbank?
No. BMC 10-1-672.E provides that any accessory structure used for the home occupation may not be a garage, carport, or any other area required for the parking of vehicles. The activity and storage must occur inside the dwelling or an enclosed roofed accessory structure that is not a garage.
Lancaster FAQ
Can I run a business from home?
Yes, with a home occupation permit and business license. The business must be secondary to residential use.
Can I have customers visit?
Most cities limit or prohibit customer visits to home businesses. Check Lancaster zoning conditions.
Compare other topics
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