Signage Rules: Delano vs Ridgecrest
How do signage rules rules compare between Delano, CA and Ridgecrest, CA?
Delano has fewer restrictions than Ridgecrest.
Delano, CA
Kern County
Home-occupation signage in Delano is governed by Sign Requirements (DC Chapter 20.14) and general performance standards. Residential zones strictly limit on-premise commercial signage to preserve neighborhood character.
View full Delano rules →Ridgecrest, CA
Kern County
Kern County prohibits all home occupation signs in unincorporated areas. Under § 19.94.040(9), 'No sign shall be permitted, other than the clearly posted address of the home.' The County's official application materials reinforce that 'no advertising signs are permitted on the property' for any home-based business.
View full Ridgecrest rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Delano | Ridgecrest |
|---|---|---|
| Sign Code | Delano DC Ch. 20.14 | - |
| Typical Limit | Single wall plaque ≤2 sq ft | - |
| Illumination | Not permitted in R-1 | - |
| Code Section | - | § 19.94.040(9) |
| Allowed | - | Clearly posted street address only |
| Prohibited | - | All advertising signs, banners, sandwich boards, logos |
| Enforcement | - | Notice of violation, permit revocation, abatement |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Delano FAQ
Can I put my business name on my truck?
Yes — vehicle signage on a personal vehicle parked at the residence is generally permitted under state law and not regulated as on-premise signage.
Ridgecrest FAQ
Can I put up a small sign for my home business in unincorporated Kern County?
No. § 19.94.040(9) of the Kern County Zoning Ordinance states 'No sign shall be permitted, other than the clearly posted address of the home.' Form 606 also confirms 'no advertising signs are permitted on the property.' The only allowed exterior marker is your standard street address.
Does this include a sandwich board or temporary sign only on appointment days?
Yes, it includes those. The ordinance allows only the 'clearly posted address of the home' with no exception for temporary, portable, or appointment-day signs. Any other on-site advertising violates § 19.94.040(9).
What about a sign on my vehicle parked at the residence?
Kern County's standards do not specifically address vehicle signage in § 19.94.040(9), but § 19.94.040(10) caps business vehicles at 5 tons, and § 19.94.040(7) prohibits any nuisance beyond normal residential conditions. A prominent business-branded vehicle that draws customer traffic could conflict with the appointment-only and no-nuisance standards even if the address-only sign rule is read narrowly.
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