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

150 defines a "home occupation" as any activity producing income, or intended to produce income, conducted or managed in a residential dwelling, and subsection (C) makes clear that none may be established or operated without an approved, issued, and maintained Home Occupation Permit from the Director of Community Development; the permit is not transferable. The Director may approve or conditionally approve an application only after making three findings under subsection (D): the use is consistent with the General Plan, it is compatible with adjacent properties without altering the residential character of the property, and it will not adversely affect public health, safety or general welfare.

Subsection (E) then lists thirteen performance standards. The occupation must be carried on only by the dwelling's occupants and wholly within the dwelling unit or an accessory structure. Space is capped at not more than 400 square feet or 25% of the total area of the dwelling unit and accessory structures, whichever is less, and no required off-street parking area may be used for the business. Inventory and supplies are limited to 50% of that permitted area and must be stored entirely within an enclosure or building.

The Director may impose additional conditions of approval under subsection (F), and an applicant who is denied or conditioned may appeal to the Planning Commission within 10 days under subsection (H).