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

The Huntington Beach Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance (HBZSO) Chapter 230 establishes the standards for home occupations within the city's residential zoning districts. As a predominantly suburban coastal city of approximately 199,000 residents, Huntington Beach balances supporting entrepreneurship and remote work with preserving the quiet residential character of its neighborhoods, many of which are near the coast and command premium property values.

A home occupation is defined as any business, profession, trade, or occupation conducted by a resident of a dwelling unit as an accessory use that is clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use of the property. All home occupations require a valid Huntington Beach business license, which must be obtained from the city's Business License Division before operations begin. The business license application requires the applicant to describe the nature of the business and confirm compliance with all home occupation standards.

The business must be conducted entirely within the enclosed living area of the principal dwelling unit. Use of attached or detached garages, accessory structures (sheds, workshops, granny flats), carports, patios, driveways, or any outdoor area for business activity is prohibited. No more than 25% of the total floor area of the dwelling may be devoted to the home occupation. The use must not alter the exterior appearance of the residence or result in any visible evidence of commercial activity from the street, sidewalk, or neighboring properties. This means no exterior storage of inventory, supplies, equipment, or commercial vehicles associated with the business.

Only residents of the dwelling may participate in the home occupation at the home location. No non-resident employees, partners, contractors, or clients may report to or work from the residence. The business must not generate noise, vibrations, fumes, glare, electrical interference, or odors detectable beyond the property boundaries. Manufacturing, assembly, and repair operations involving hazardous materials, heavy equipment, or processes that generate noise or emissions are prohibited.

Huntington Beach requires that home occupations not create traffic, parking, or delivery impacts inconsistent with the residential character of the neighborhood. The practical effect is that businesses relying on frequent customer visits, large or frequent commercial deliveries, or employee commutes to the home location are not permitted as home occupations and must seek commercial premises. The city does not issue conditional use permits for expanded home occupations — businesses that cannot comply with the standard home occupation criteria must operate from commercially zoned space.

Examples of commonly approved home occupations in Huntington Beach include freelance writing and consulting, graphic and web design, accounting, tutoring (with very limited individual student visits), and online retail fulfillment on a small scale. Residents should contact the Business License Division at (714) 536-5267 to confirm eligibility and obtain the required business license.