Burbank Zoning Restrictions Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Burbank Zoning Code Title 10, Chapter 1, Article 6, Division 11 (Sections 10-1-671 through 10-1-673.5) authorizes home occupations in residential zones subject to a permit from the Community Development Department. The home occupation must be clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use of the dwelling. The business must be conducted entirely within the enclosed living area of the dwelling and may not occupy more than 25% of the total floor area. No portion of a garage, carport, accessory structure, or yard area may be used for business purposes.

No person other than a resident of the dwelling may be employed at or work from the home business location. Client, customer, patient, and business visitor traffic to the residence is expressly prohibited. There must be no exterior indication of the home business, including no signage, displays, exterior storage of materials or equipment, or any other visible evidence of commercial activity. Commercial vehicle parking associated with the business is not permitted to accumulate at the residential property. The business may not generate noise, odors, vibrations, or electronic interference perceptible beyond the property line. Burbank's home occupation ordinance is applied with awareness of the city's role as host to major entertainment studios including Walt Disney Studios, Warner Bros., and NBCUniversal. Writers, editors, graphic artists, animators, and post-production professionals commonly operate from home in Burbank. These uses are permitted provided they meet all standard home occupation requirements. Home occupation permits are available from the Community Development Department at (818) 238-5250. Certain occupations are expressly prohibited as home occupations under Section 10-1-673, including medical clinics, auto repair, retail sales open to the public, and food processing.