Los Angeles allows home occupations as an accessory use in residential zones under LAMC 12.05 A.16, subject to strict size, signage, and traffic limits, plus a Business Tax Registration Certificate.
Under Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 12.05 A.16, home occupations are permitted as an accessory use in residential zones provided the operator is a bona fide resident of the dwelling, no non-resident employees work on the premises, there is no exterior signage advertising the business, and no customer or client visits that resemble commercial storefront traffic. The activity must be incidental to the residential use and cannot alter the residential character of the structure or neighborhood. The home occupation area is limited to no more than 400 square feet or 20 percent of the dwelling floor area, whichever is less. Certain uses are prohibited outright, including auto repair, massage establishments, commercial kitchens, and any activity that generates noise, odor, traffic, or hazardous materials inconsistent with residential use. Operators must obtain a Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC) from the City of Los Angeles Office of Finance, typically costing between 25 and 150 dollars per year depending on gross receipts.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles tows vehicles left on any public street for over 72 consecutive hours under LAMC 80.73.2 and California Vehicle Code 22651(k). Vehicles also qual...
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles Ordinance 187200 added LAMC section 195.30 to ban food vendors and city facilities from using expanded polystyrene foam containers, cups, plates,...
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles bans launching, landing, or operating drones over all city parks and beaches under LAMC 56.31. Recreational pilots must follow FAA rules: stay be...
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles banned single-use plastic carryout bags at large supermarkets effective January 1, 2014 and extended the ban citywide to all retailers on July 1,...
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles enforces the federal Tobacco 21 minimum age plus California state law. All tobacco and vape sales to anyone under 21 are prohibited. LA County al...
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles collects yard waste weekly in the green organics bin alongside food scraps under California SB 1383. Branches under 4 feet long and 4 inches diam...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle home occupation permits.
See how Los Angeles's home occupation permits rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.