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

Glendale Municipal Code Chapter 30.45 establishes the framework for home occupation permits. The purpose is to allow occupations that are incidental to and subordinate to the residential use of the property. To protect residential neighborhoods, the Director of Community Development may grant home occupation permits and impose conditions to safeguard public health, safety, and general welfare.

Key restrictions for home occupations include: no increase in pedestrian or vehicular traffic may be generated by the home occupation; no required residential parking spaces may be displaced; and no mechanical equipment other than those used for normal household purposes may be used (with limited exceptions for uses permitted in designated historic resources under Section 30.11.020 and uses under the California Homemade Food Act, AB1616). No hazardous processes or emissions of smoke, dust, noise, fumes, odors, vibrations, or glare are permitted.

A business registration certificate is not separately required for businesses operating under a Chapter 30.45 home occupation permit. The decision of the Director on a home occupation permit application may be appealed to the Planning Commission. Contact the Community Development Department at (818) 548-3700 for applications and requirements. The Municipal Services Building is located at 633 E. Broadway, Room 101, Glendale, CA 91206.