Auburn, WA Home Business: Signage Rules (2026)

Auburn City Code Chapter 18.60 (Home Occupations) expressly prohibits exterior signage identifying a home occupation on residential properties. This is a strict rule: no signs, banners, neon displays, flags, window posters, or lighted lettering visible from the public right-of-way or adjacent properties advertising the business name, services, phone, or website are permitted. Only one nameplate up to 1 square foot may be installed near the front door showing the occupants name (not the business name), following the general sign code ACC 18.56. Signs in vehicles used for the business parked overnight at the residence are generally exempt from the prohibition if the vehicle is routinely used off-site. Temporary open-house or garage sale signs posted per ACC 18.56 rules are treated separately from home-occupation signage. In mixed-use zones (DUC downtown, mixed-use corridors) where a live-work unit is permitted, signage rules follow the commercial portion of ACC 18.56. Violations trigger code enforcement notice and fines up to $250 per day under ACC 1.25. Online advertising, business cards, and website marketing are unaffected.