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

Section 18.56.010 states the permit exists to let certain occupations, other than large family day care homes, operate inside a residential dwelling or accessory building so long as the use stays incidental and secondary to residential living. Section 18.56.020 lists what qualifies: office uses confined to mail, phone calls and bookkeeping; crafts and hobby work like photography and artwork; services such as computer work, tutoring, music lessons and day care; and off-premises sales including import/export and swap-meet vending. Section 18.56.030 flatly prohibits real estate, insurance, law and medical offices, beauty shops, massage parlors, private clubs, dance studios and dating services, vehicle and appliance repair, machine and cabinet shops, on-premises sales, and any business the City deems incompatible with the surrounding neighborhood.

Applicants file with the Community Development Department, pay a fee set by City Council resolution, and receive a decision from the Director within thirty days if the use meets all Section 18.56.040 conditions (Section 18.56.050). A denial or grant may be appealed to the Planning Commission and then the Council within ten days of the decision (Section 18.56.060). The Director may revoke a permit for noncompliance after ten days' written notice, and the City's business license office is notified of any revocation (Section 18.56.070).