Ordinances You Need to Know in Santa Monica, CA
Local rules that could affect everyday life, property use or a decision to move to Santa Monica, CA.
Local jurisdiction: City of Santa Monica, California.
Business License and Home-Occupation Checklist Required
Santa Monica requires a business license application and a home-occupation checklist for a business operated from a residence.
Source: City of Santa Monica Home-Based Business License Guide
Code section: Santa Monica Municipal Code 9.31.160
Official city page: 2026
NTL verified: September 3, 2026
Commercial Delivery Vehicle Restrictions
Santa Monica's residential zoning checklist requires home occupations to avoid commercial delivery vehicles except reasonable courier services, and limits use to no more than one vehicle larger than a three-quarter-ton truck.
Source: City of Santa Monica Residential Zoning Conformance Checklist
Code section: Santa Monica Municipal Code 9.31.160
Official city checklist: Current city form
NTL verified: September 3, 2026
Vehicle Repair and Storage Businesses Prohibited
Santa Monica lists automotive and other vehicle body or mechanical work, upholstery, painting, and storage among uses prohibited as home occupations.
Source: City of Santa Monica Residential Zoning Conformance Checklist
Code section: Santa Monica Municipal Code 9.31.160
Official city checklist: Current city form
NTL verified: September 3, 2026
Unsightly Storage and Outdoor Advertising Restricted
Santa Monica requires home occupations to avoid excessive or unsightly business storage and to maintain the residential appearance of the dwelling. Outdoor advertising that identifies the home occupation is not allowed.
Source: City of Santa Monica Residential Zoning Conformance Checklist
Code section: Santa Monica Municipal Code 9.31.160
Official city checklist: Current city form
NTL verified: September 3, 2026
Disclaimer & Due Diligence
NarrowTheList includes only location-specific rules we could tie to the local jurisdiction and source shown with each item. State rules are not included on this page.
Ordinances can be amended, repealed, renumbered or interpreted differently depending on the property, zoning district, permit status or activity involved. These summaries are provided as a starting point for relocation research and may not reflect every exception, permit requirement or later amendment.
Before relying on an ordinance for a home purchase, rental, home business, vehicle, pet, property improvement or other important decision, review the linked source and do your own due diligence. Contact the applicable city clerk, municipal office, town or village hall, county office or other local government department to verify the current ordinance and how it applies to the specific property or activity you are considering.