Santa Monica, CA Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)
Key Facts
- Non-Resident Workers Allowed
- Yes, for cottage food operations (Cal. HSC § 113758)
- Max Client Visits
- 6 per 24-hour period
- Business Signs
- Prohibited (address and name only)
- Permits Required
- Zoning Conformance Review + City business license
- Applicable Section
- SMMC § 9.31.160(A)(11)
Summary
Cottage food operations as defined under California Health and Safety Code § 113758 are explicitly recognized as a home occupation exception in Santa Monica, permitting non-resident workers on the premises.
11. No employees other than residents of the dwelling unit shall be allowed to work, gather or congregate on the premises in connection with a home occupation, with the exception of babysitters, domestic staff, or cottage food operations as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 113758.
12. Where the person conducting the home occupation serves as an agent or intermediary between outside suppliers and outside customers, all articles, except for samples, shall be received, stored, and sold directly to customers at an off-premises location.
13. There shall be no excessive or unsightly storage of materials or supplies indoors or outdoors for purposes other than those permitted in the residential district in which it is located.
14. The home occupation shall not generate pedestrian or vehicular traffic beyond that ordinarily generated in the residential district in which it is located. A maximum of 6 client visits is allowed during any 24 hour period.
Full Breakdown
SMMC § 9.31.160(A)(11) lists cottage food operations alongside babysitters and domestic staff as exceptions to the rule that only residents may work in a home occupation. All other home occupation standards still apply: work must be indoors, the dwelling must not appear commercial, signage is limited to address and name, and client visits are capped at 6 per day. Zoning Conformance Review and a City business license are required.
Violations & Fines
Violating any applicable home occupation standard (excess client traffic, improper signage, etc.) is subject to code enforcement and potential revocation of Zoning Conformance approval under SMMC § 9.31.160.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hire a non-resident to help bake or package cottage food at my home?
Do I need a city permit for a cottage food home business?
Can customers pick up cottage food orders at my house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California home business overview
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Cottage Food Operations in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle cottage food operations.