Signage Rules: San Jose vs Sunnyvale
How do signage rules rules compare between San Jose, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
San Jose and Sunnyvale have similar restriction levels.
San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County prohibits exterior signs, window displays, and any visible indication of a home-based business. Home occupations must preserve the residential appearance of the property.
View full San Jose rules →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
Exterior signs for home-based businesses are prohibited in Sunnyvale residential zones. The home occupation must have no outward indication of non-residential use under Municipal Code Chapter 19.68.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Jose | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Signs | Prohibited | - |
| Window Displays | Prohibited | - |
| Commercial Vehicles | Restricted | - |
| Off-Site Ads | Allowed | - |
| Fines | 100-500 dollars per day | - |
| Exterior signs | - | Prohibited |
| Window displays | - | Prohibited |
| Code reference | - | SMC Chapter 19.68 |
| Service vehicle decals | - | Allowed under 10000 lbs |
| Violation fine | - | Up to 100 dollars per day |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Jose FAQ
Can I put a small sign on my house advertising my home business?
No. Santa Clara County home occupation rules prohibit any exterior business signage in residential zones, regardless of size.
Can I park a company van with my logo in the driveway?
Short-term parking is generally fine, but long-term display of commercial vehicles used primarily as advertising may be treated as prohibited signage in residential zones.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Can I put my business name on my mailbox?
Small identification that matches standard mailbox labeling is typically fine, but promotional signs are prohibited.
Can I have a lighted Open sign in my window?
No, any commercial signage, lighting, or advertising display is banned in residential zones for home occupations.
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