Home occupations in Bakersfield may not display any exterior signage under BMC Title 17. The zoning code requires that home businesses produce no outward indication of commercial activity. This includes signs, window displays, lighted displays, or logo vehicles parked visibly.
BMC Title 17's home occupation standards explicitly prohibit exterior evidence of the business. No signs, advertising, window displays, or lighted displays are permitted on the residence or in the yard. A logo-wrapped commercial vehicle displayed prominently in the driveway can also violate the no-outward-indication rule. Street address numbers, the mailbox, and normal residential markings are allowed. Customer traffic should be limited (see customer-traffic subcategory) and parking must be accommodated within the residential parking standards. The city's general sign ordinance (BMC Ch. 17.60) also applies but is largely preempted for home occupations by the stricter no-signage rule. Pop-up stands, yard-sale style displays, or sandwich boards for a home business are not permitted.
Unauthorized signage triggers code enforcement warning and potential Home Occupation Permit revocation. Administrative citations typically start at $100 and escalate for repeat violations up to $500 per day. Repeated violations may result in permanent revocation of the home occupation privilege at the property.
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