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

110 sets Pasadena's zoning framework for operating a business out of a residence. Subsection B requires a Home Occupation Permit, issued by the Director, before the use begins, and Subsection C makes that permit nontransferable, meaning it doesn't carry over to a new owner, tenant, or business. Renters need the property owner's written authorization submitted with the application under Subsection D. Once the permit is approved, Subsection E requires the operator to obtain a City Business License, and if that license lapses or isn't renewed, the Home Occupation Permit automatically becomes void.

The physical footprint is capped under Subsection F: the entire home occupation, including any on-site storage and any portion located in an accessory structure, cannot exceed 500 square feet of floor area, though that cap can be exceeded if storage is instead located off-site. Subsection G restricts on-site retail sales to goods actually crafted on the premises, while items made elsewhere may be sold by mail order or online within the same 500-square-foot limit, and guns and ammunition sales are barred except for a licensed gunsmith or firearms collector.

Subsection H limits staffing to residents of the dwelling only: no volunteers, interns, or independent contractors. Subsection L bars any outdoor storage or display, and Subsection M bars on-site advertising signs, though paper and electronic ads such as business cards are allowed as long as they omit the home address. 80 hazardous-materials rules, and Subsection O lets the Zoning Administrator revoke a noncompliant permit after 15 days' written notice.