Alhambra, CA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

170 permits a home occupation in any residential unit in the city regardless of the zoning designation, but subjects it to thirteen operational standards under subsection (E). The enterprise must be confined completely to one room within the dwelling that occupies no more than 25% of the gross area of one floor, or 100 square feet, whichever is less; craft assembly or limited storage can spill into a garage or accessory building only if it does not reduce available parking. No employees or independent contractors are allowed besides residents of the unit, aside from a narrow cottage food exception, and there can be no exterior storage, no exterior indication that a home occupation exists, and no signs at all.

A separate City of Alhambra business license is required for each home occupation under subsection (D). 4. Vehicles used in the business are capped at three-quarters of a ton, and the operation cannot generate traffic, deliveries, noise, dust, vibration, smell, or other nuisances perceptible beyond the lot line. Certain uses listed in subsection (G) are barred outright as home occupations regardless of these standards, including automobile/vehicle sales and services, eating and drinking establishments, hotels and motels, hospitals and clinics, and most personal services. The chapter was adopted by Ordinance 4823, passed January 22, 2024, and amended by Ordinance 4844, passed April 28, 2025.