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

El Monte's zoning code (Title 17) establishes the standards for home occupations, which are defined as any lawful business or professional activity conducted within a residential dwelling by the occupant of that dwelling. Home occupations are permitted as accessory uses in all residential zones (R-1 through R-3 and planned residential developments), provided they comply with a series of performance standards designed to prevent commercial activities from degrading the residential character of the neighborhood.

The core requirements include that the home occupation must be conducted entirely within the principal dwelling or an approved accessory structure, and must not occupy more than 25% of the habitable floor area. The business must be clearly secondary to the residential use, and there must be no external evidence of the business — no signage (other than what may be separately permitted), no exterior storage or display of merchandise, no alteration of the building's residential appearance, and no equipment or processes that generate noise, vibration, odor, dust, glare, or electrical interference detectable from beyond the property line.

El Monte permits one non-resident employee or business partner to work at the home occupation site at any given time. Activities that are expressly prohibited as home occupations include manufacturing and assembly operations, warehousing and distribution, retail sales with customer walk-in traffic, auto repair or body work, medical or dental offices, restaurants, and any business that requires hazardous materials storage. Professionals such as consultants, accountants, designers, tutors, and remote workers typically qualify for home occupation permits. The El Monte business license must be obtained from the Finance Department before the business begins operating.