Compton Zoning Restrictions Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Compton's zoning ordinance, codified in Municipal Code Chapter 10-5, allows home occupations as accessory uses in residential zones subject to a set of performance standards designed to maintain the residential character of neighborhoods. A home occupation is defined as a business activity conducted within a dwelling unit or approved accessory building by a resident of that dwelling. To operate legally, the business owner must first obtain a City of Compton business license through the Finance Department. The business license application requires the applicant to demonstrate that the proposed business activity will comply with all home occupation standards.

The physical footprint of the home occupation is limited to no more than 25% of the total floor area of the dwelling unit. The business must be conducted entirely indoors — no outdoor storage of materials, inventory, equipment, or vehicles associated with the business is permitted. The property must not exhibit any visible evidence of commercial activity from the street or surrounding properties. This means no signage (addressed separately under the signage subcategory), no commercial vehicles with visible business advertising parked in driveways or on the street, and no physical alterations to the dwelling that would change its residential appearance.

Staffing is restricted: the home occupation must be operated primarily by the resident(s) of the dwelling. No more than one non-resident employee may work on site at any given time. This limitation is intended to prevent traffic, parking, and noise impacts that would be inconsistent with a residential setting. Businesses that require multiple on-site employees, regular deliveries by large commercial vehicles, or frequent visits by customers are not compatible with the home occupation model.

Certain business types are expressly prohibited as home occupations in Compton. These include automobile repair or painting, retail sales with walk-in customers, barbershops and beauty salons with non-resident clientele, manufacturing or assembly of products that generate noise, fumes, dust, or vibration, and any activity that involves the storage of hazardous materials. Businesses that are compatible with home occupation standards include professional consulting, freelance writing and design, tutoring by appointment, accounting, and similar desk-based professional services. Contact the Compton Community Development Department at (310) 605-5532 for guidance on whether a specific business type qualifies.