Signage Rules: Apex vs Raleigh
How do signage rules rules compare between Apex, NC and Raleigh, NC?
Apex and Raleigh have similar restriction levels.
Apex, NC
Wake County
Apex UDO Sec. 4.5.5.G strictly limits home occupation signage to a single 12 in. x 12 in. placard at the front door (per Sec. 8.7.1.A.2 Home Occupation Signs). A separate Home Occupation sign permit must be obtained from the Planning Department. Plastic or acrylic faces are prohibited, the sign may not be internally lit, and external lighting must be traditional residential. The street address may not be advertised via billboards, TV, radio, newspapers, websites, or social media.
View full Apex rules →Raleigh, NC
Wake County
Raleigh UDO Sec 6.7.3 and Sec 7.3 prohibit commercial signage for home occupations in residential districts. No exterior signs, banners, or window displays identifying the business are allowed. Small professional nameplates under 1 square foot are permitted for licensed professionals such as attorneys and physicians with home offices.
View full Raleigh rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Apex | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Apex UDO Sec. 4.5.5.G + Sec. 8.7.1.A.2 | - |
| Permitted Sign | 1 placard, 12 in. x 12 in. max | - |
| Sign Height | Max 6 ft, at front door only | - |
| Sign Permit | Required from Planning Department | - |
| Internal Illumination | Prohibited | - |
| Plastic/Acrylic Faces | Prohibited | - |
| Yard Signs / Banners | Prohibited | - |
| Address Advertising | Prohibited on billboards, TV, radio, websites, social media | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Apex FAQ
Can I put up a sign for my Apex home business?
Only a small placard. Apex UDO Sec. 4.5.5.G and Sec. 8.7.1.A.2 permit one 12 in. x 12 in. placard placed no higher than 6 ft at the front door, with no internal illumination and no plastic or acrylic faces. You must obtain a separate Home Occupation sign permit from the Apex Planning Department first. Yard signs, window signs, monument signs, A-frames, banners, and inflatables advertising your business are all prohibited in every residential district.
Can I advertise my Apex home business address online?
No, you cannot publicly advertise the street address. Apex UDO Sec. 4.5.5.G prohibits advertising the home occupation's street address through signs, billboards, television, radio, newspapers, websites, or social media. You may operate online and advertise the business itself — but the residential street address must remain off public listings, websites, and social media profiles to maintain residential character compliance.
Raleigh FAQ
Can I put a sign in my window for my home bakery?
No, window signs advertising a home business are prohibited in all residential districts. Only a licensed professional nameplate under 1 square foot is allowed.
Is my lettered work truck in the driveway a violation?
Personal work trucks under 10,000 pounds GVWR with business lettering are allowed. Larger commercial vehicles, box trucks, or trailers with signage cannot be parked overnight in residential zones.
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