Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code Ch. 17.08 Home Occupations

This chapter provides that certain incidental and accessory uses may be established in residential neighborhoods under conditions that will ensure their compatibility with the neighborhood. They are intended to protect the rights of the residents to engage in certain home occupations that are harmonious with a residential environment.

(Code 1981, § 17.08.010; Ord. No. 78(part), 1975; Ord. No. 320, § 7(part), 1997)

It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to establish, cause, permit or maintain any type of business, profession or other commercial occupation in any residential zoning district without first securing a home occupation permit from the director. Application for a home occupation permit shall be made on forms provided by the city and shall include a filing fee in an amount established by resolution by the city council.

(Code 1981, § 17.08.020; Ord. No. 320, § 7(part), 1997)

Home occupations shall be permitted only if they comply with the following standards, and such other conditions which are imposed by the director:

A. All structures must comply with general appearance, setbacks and landscaping standards and regulations applicable to all zoning districts of the area in which they are located.

B. No displays, signs and/or advertisements associated with the home occupation shall be permitted.

C. The permitted activity shall not be injurious to the use of neighboring property by reason of noise, vibration, odor, fumes, smoke, dust or similar adverse impacts on adjacent properties.

D. There shall be no radio or television interference created by the home occupation.

E. A home occupation shall not create vehicular or pedestrian traffic which changes the residential character of the neighborhood and dwelling unit where the business is being conducted, or create a greater demand for parking than can be accommodated on site or on the street frontage abutting the property where the home occupation is being conducted.

F. There shall be no deliveries to and from the residence of bulk materials which are used in conjunction with the home occupation and no deliveries of materials, goods or retail merchandise associated with a home occupation, if such deliveries change the residential character of the neighborhood and dwelling unit where the business is being conducted.

G. The person conducting the profession or business must reside within the dwelling unit in which the activity is located.

H. With the exception of one "home occupation employee," as that term is defined in chapter 17.96 (Definitions), there shall be no employment of help other than individuals residing at the subject residence. The home occupation employee shall park on site.

I. There shall be no use or storage of dangerous chemicals, acids, caustics, explosives or other such hazardous equipment or materials, other than those materials that are used in typical household activities as classified in the county household hazardous materials list.

J. There shall be no storage of materials and/or supplies, associated with the home occupation, outside of the residence, which may be visible from adjoining properties and/or the public right-of-way. If the garage is used to store home occupation associated materials, the minimum interior parking dimensions specified in section 17.02.030 (Development Standards) shall be maintained.

K. There shall be no use of utilities or community facilities which change the residential character of the neighborhood and dwelling unit where the business is being conducted beyond the level which is normal for the use of the property for residential purposes.

L. The establishment and conduct of a home occupation shall not change the principal residential character of the use of the dwelling unit, nor shall there be any exterior evidence of the home occupation being conducted. The home occupation use shall be clearly incidental to the residential use.

(Code 1981, § 17.08.030; Ord. No. 78(part), 1975; Ord. No. 320, § 7(part), 1997; Ord. No. 529, § 10, 11-15-2011)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code, commercial marijuana activities, as defined in section 17.96.445 (Commercial Marijuana Activities), are not permitted as home occupations in the city.

(Code 1981, § 17.08.040; Ord. No. 600U, § 2, 11-8-2017)