To run a business from your home in Glendale, you'll need to obtain a Home Occupation Business Permit. Any business that is run from or conducted in a residence must have a Home Occupation Business Permit. Medical transcribing, accounting, telephone sales, computer programming, contractor’s offices and consulting are a few examples of permitted types of in-home occupations.

You'll need to meet eight basic requirements to receive your Home Occupation Business Permit from the City of Glendale.

1. The business must have a valid home occupation permit issued by the Permit Center.

2. Deliveries or shipments of product or merchandise to or from the residence are prohibited.

3. No customers can visit the property. All customer contact must be done through the mail or done electronically. No flyers or signs which encourage customers to visit the property are permitted.

4. No storage of product, supplies (other than office supplies) or equipment on the property.

5. The business use must be secondary to the residential use of the property. That is, you must live in the house, and not just use it for a business.

6. No signs advertising the business may be placed on the property, including the mailbox.

7. The residence may only be used by the occupants. No employees of the business are permitted to work on the property.

8. No activities are permitted which are out of character with a residential neighborhood.

Home Occupation Business Permits are only valid for the address where you currently reside. If you move, you'll need to get a new permit for your new address.

You may run a business from your apartment, subject to the requirements above. Before running a business from your apartment, you should check your rental agreement or lease. Similarly, you may run a business from your condo, subject to the requirements above. Before running a business from your condo, you should check the CC&R's for your development and any rules that might be adopted by your association.

To apply, visit Glendale Permits, the City of Glendale's permit portal. You'll need to create a Glendale Permits account before applying.  For any questions about the application requirements or process, please email HomeOcc@glendaleca.gov or call (818) 548-2140.