Burbank, CA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- 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)
- Location
- Inside dwelling or enclosed non-garage structure
- Motor Power Cap
- 1 HP per motor, 2 HP total (110/220V)
Summary
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.
10-1-672: SPECIFIC RESTRICTIONS: The following regulations shall apply to the conduct of home occupations:
A. LIMITATION ON NUMBER. A maximum of two (2) home occupations may be conducted on the premises of a residence.
C. EMPLOYMENT LIMITED TO RESIDENTS. Employment for actual work conducted on the premises of the home occupation shall be limited to: the resident or residents who is, or are, principal owner or owners of the business, and any other resident of the dwelling unit. No non-resident person may conduct work on the premises in conjunction with the home occupation, except for a cottage food operation, which is entitled to one non-resident employee.
D. MAXIMUM AREA. The home occupation(s), either singular or combined, may cumulatively occupy no more than the greater of: 1) 400 square feet, or 2) 20 percent of the combined square footage of the dwelling unit and any accessory structure that is not a garage or area required for the parking of vehicles, or 3) that area of the home kitchen as permitted by the Health Department as part of a cottage food operation.
E. If an accessory structure, or a portion of an accessory structure, is used for the home occupation, the accessory structure used for the home occupation shall not be any garage, carport, or any other area required or designated for the parking of vehicles.
Full Breakdown
A). B). C). D). E). G). H). This is a city-specific zoning standard; it is enforced in addition to any applicable California state requirements (for example, Health & Safety Code Section 113758 for cottage food).
Violations & Fines
A home occupation exceeding the Division 11 zoning standards is a violation of Title 10 of the Burbank Municipal Code. The Community Development Director may revoke or suspend the home occupation business permit after 15 days' notice under BMC 10-1-673.5.D, with appeal rights under Article 15, Title 2, Chapter 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of my Burbank home can I use for a home business?
Can I hire employees to work at my Burbank home business?
Can I run my home business out of my garage in Burbank?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Burbank
How Burbank compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·California rules heatmap·Compare Burbank to another location·View the California home business overview
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