Glendale, CA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permitting authority
- Director of Community Development
- Floor-area cap
- 10% of dwelling or building
- On-site sales
- Not permitted
- Exterior signage
- Not permitted
- Decision final
- 15 days unless appealed
- Appeal body
- Planning Commission
- Transferability
- Permit is non-transferable
Summary
Glendale requires a home occupation permit from the director of community development before any business runs out of a residence. The director may grant one only after finding the use stays under 10% of the dwelling's floor area, allows no on-site product sales, and shows no exterior sign of nonresidential use, per Municipal Code § 30.45.030.
A home occupation permit shall be granted only if the director of community development makes the findings that the proposed home occupation complies with the following criteria: ... B. Except for uses permitted or conditionally permitted in designated historic resources pursuant to Section 30.11.020, no sales of products on the premises shall be permitted. ... D. Except for uses permitted or conditionally permitted in designated historic resources pursuant to Section 30.11.020, no display of signs on the premises shall be permitted. ... J. Except for uses permitted or conditionally permitted in designated historic resources pursuant to Section 30.11.020 and except for uses permitted pursuant to the California Homemade Food Act (AB1616) "Homemade Food Act", no occupation shall be permitted that occupies more than 10% of the floor area of the dwelling or other building on the premises.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4983441; v20 updated 2026-05-19).
Full Breakdown
010). 030. Beyond the size and sales caps, the list bars any exterior sign of nonresidential use, prohibits employing anyone but property residents (with historic-district and California Homemade Food Act carve-outs), and forbids product sales or signage on the premises. 040). 050). 060 makes clear no permit may be transferred or assigned, and no one other than the person named on it may carry on the home occupation it covers, so a change of resident-operator requires a brand-new application and findings.
Violations & Fines
A home occupation operating outside these findings, over the 10% floor-area cap, with signage, on-site sales, or non-resident employees, has no valid permit and is a zoning code violation subject to the city's standard code enforcement process. The director can also deny or refuse to renew a permit outright if the use turns out to be contrary to the neighborhood's best interests. Permit decisions become final 15 days after mailing unless the applicant appeals to the planning commission (§ 30.45.050), and because permits are non-transferable under § 30.45.060, a new operator running the business without a fresh permit is likewise out of compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to run a business from my Glendale home?
How much of my house can a Glendale home occupation use?
Can I sell products or post a sign for my home business?
Can I transfer my Glendale home occupation permit to a new owner?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Glendale
How Glendale compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·California rules heatmap·Compare Glendale to another location·View the California home business overview
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