Los Angeles, CA asked in Land Use & Zoning and Municipal Law for California

Q: I have a commercial building with permitted use as office space. Can it be rented out for meetings, birthdays?

Are there code enforcement fines if is not considered correct use?

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: In California, the specific permitted uses of a commercial building are generally determined by local zoning ordinances and the Certificate of Occupancy issued for the building. If your building's permitted use is "office space," using it for meetings would typically be consistent with that designation. However, using it for personal events like birthdays might not be.

If the use is not consistent with local zoning or the Certificate of Occupancy, code enforcement could take action, which might include fines or other penalties. Before renting out the space for any purpose outside of its designated use, it would be prudent to review local zoning ordinances or consult with local planning or zoning departments. Additionally, consider potential liability or insurance implications when hosting personal events in a commercial space. Always ensure that any use aligns with local regulations to avoid potential legal complications.

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