Running a business from home in Santa Monica

Each rule below links to the section of the Santa Monica Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Santa Monica's code says

Santa Monica code What Santa Monica's code adds
Customer visits	No more than 6 client visits in any 24-hour period. § 9.31.160 · code text A maximum of 6 client visits is allowed during any 24 hour period.
Employees	No employees other than residents of the home may work or gather there for the business. Applies: Babysitters, domestic staff and cottage food operations are exceptions. § 9.31.160 · code text No employees other than residents of the dwelling unit shall be allowed to work, gather or congregate on the premises in connection with a home occupation, with the exception of babysitters, domestic staff, or cottage food operations as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 113758.
Permit	Zoning Conformance Review is required. Applies: To start a home business. § 9.31.160 · code text The establishment of a home occupation requires Zoning Conformance Review, pursuant to the procedures of Chapter 9.38, Zoning Conformance Review, to ensure consistency with all of the standards of this Section. A business license is required. Applies: For every home business operator. § 9.31.160 · code text Every operator of a home occupation shall obtain and maintain a business license pursuant to Chapter 6.04 of the Municipal Code. No Zoning Conformance Review is needed. Applies: For an approved home business moving to another unit on the same lot. § 9.31.160 · code text Zoning Conformance Review shall not be required for any existing approved home occupation relocating to another unit on the same parcel.
Businesses not allowed	Ambulance service; animal hospitals or grooming facilities; automotive and other vehicle repair (body or mechanical), upholstery, painting or storage; barber or beauty shops; carpentry or cabinet making; contractor storage yards; firearms manufacture, sales, or repair; furniture refinishing or upholstery; junkyards; restaurants; sexually-oriented businesses; spas and retreat centers; tattoo studios; welding or machine operation; and other uses the Director determines to be similar to those listed above, or which by operation or nature are not incidental to or compatible with residential activities § 9.31.160 · code text The following uses shall not be permitted as home occupations: Dancing schools, exercise and yoga studios Applies: Except one-on-one training or teaching that does not exceed 6 clients within 24 hours § 9.31.160 · code text Dancing schools, exercise and yoga studios, except one-on-one training or teaching that does not exceed 6 clients within 24 hours. Massage establishments Applies: Except for a massage technician who is certified by the State of California and meets all other applicable requirements for and holds a valid permit issued under Chapter 6.104 of the Municipal Code § 9.31.160 · code text Massage establishments, except for a massage technician who is certified by the State of California and meets all other applicable requirements for and holds a valid permit issued under Chapter 6.104 of the Municipal Code. Medical offices, clinics, and laboratories Applies: Except for psychologists, speech therapists, acupuncturists, and other professionals with one-on-one counseling, therapy, or treatment that do not exceed 6 clients within 24 hours § 9.31.160 · code text Medical offices, clinics, and laboratories, except for psychologists, speech therapists, acupuncturists, and other professionals with one-on-one counseling, therapy, or treatment that do not exceed 6 clients within 24 hours.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

Can I run a business from my home in Santa Monica?

A home business may have at most 6 client visits in 24 hours, and only residents may be employees, with listed exceptions.

Running a business from home in Santa Monica

Key points

What Santa Monica's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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