Santa Monica, CA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit type
- Zoning Conformance Review (administrative, no public hearing)
- Trigger
- Required before a business license is issued for a home occupation
- Review authority
- Director of Planning and Community Development
- Allowed activities
- Business/professional offices, food production, limited personal services, urban agriculture
- Key condition
- Use must be incidental and secondary to the residential use of the dwelling
- Detailed operating rules
- Set out in Santa Monica Municipal Code § 9.31.160
Summary
Home occupations in Santa Monica require a Zoning Conformance Review before the City will issue a business license, confirming the use is incidental to the residential use and complies with Section 9.31.160.
§ 9.38.020. Applicability. Zoning Conformance Review is required for the following permits, licenses, or uses to ensure compliance with all provisions of this Chapter: A. Business license for any initiation of a use pursuant to Chapter 6.04. B. Home occupations subject to the provisions of Section 9.31.160.
§ 9.38.030. B. Determination. The Director shall determine whether this Ordinance allows the proposed uses or structures as-of-right. Zoning Conformance may be determined by review of written or graphic information, including but not limited to, statements, numeric data, site plans, floor plans, and building elevations and sections, as a record of the proposal's conformity with the applicable regulations of this Ordinance. C. Exceptions. No Zoning Conformance Review shall be required for the continuation of previously approved or permitted uses and structures.
9.52.020.1110 Home occupation. A commercial use conducted on residential property by the inhabitants of the subject residence, which is incidental and secondary to the residential use of the dwelling.
Full Breakdown
Zoning Conformance Review is an administrative process in which the Director verifies compliance with all applicable Zoning Ordinance provisions, specifically Section 9.31.160. The review is based on submitted written or graphic information (plans, floor plans, statements, etc.). No public hearing is required. Allowed home occupation types include business and professional offices, food production, limited personal services, and urban agriculture, provided they are incidental and secondary to the primary residential use of the dwelling. A Zoning Conformance Review is not required for the continuation of a previously approved home occupation.
Violations & Fines
Operating a home occupation without Zoning Conformance Review or in violation of conditions is a Zoning Ordinance violation, punishable as an infraction (up to $250) or misdemeanor (up to $500 per violation or 6 months in county jail). Each day of noncompliance is a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need City approval before running a home business in Santa Monica?
Can I sell food I make at home as a home occupation?
Is there a public hearing for home occupation approval?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
How Santa Monica compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California home business overview
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