Long Beach Customer Traffic Restrictions Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Long Beach Municipal Code Title 21, Chapter 21.31 home occupation standards establish that visitors, customers, and deliveries to the dwelling unit shall not exceed what would normally and reasonably occur at a residential property. This standard is deliberately flexible but has a clear practical effect: any level of customer traffic that is noticeable to neighbors — including a steady stream of clients for appointments, retail pickups, or service transactions — is prohibited. The home occupation must not generate activity that causes neighbors to perceive the dwelling as a business location rather than a private residence.

The non-resident employee prohibition is absolute: no person other than a resident of the dwelling may work at the home business address, regardless of their role. This bars co-workers, assistants, interns, and delivery personnel from operating out of the residential address. All business activity must be conducted entirely within the enclosed living area of the main dwelling unit. Garages, carports, accessory dwelling units, yards, patios, and any exterior areas may not be used for business purposes, storage, or customer interaction. The business area within the home must not be used in a way that fundamentally changes the character of the residence.

Deliveries to the home associated with the business — such as product inventory, supplies, or commercial freight — must stay within volumes reasonable for a private household. Multiple parcel service or freight deliveries throughout the day that attract neighbor attention or require commercial truck access are not consistent with home occupation standards. Vehicles associated with the home occupation — such as a work van or truck — must be parked so they are not visible from the public right-of-way in a way that identifies the home as a business, as this constitutes an exterior indication of commercial activity. Home business operators who need to meet with clients regularly should arrange off-site meeting space such as a coffee shop, coworking space, or rented conference room. Contact the Planning Division Zoning Information Line at (562) 570-6194 or Code Enforcement at (562) 570-2633 for questions about specific situations.