Berkeley limits home business signage to one 1-square-foot non-illuminated plaque, flush-mounted to the residence. Freestanding, lighted, or window signs for home occupations are prohibited.
Under Berkeley Municipal Code Chapter 23.306.060, home occupations are permitted no more than one identification sign not exceeding 1 square foot in area, mounted flat to the wall of the dwelling, non-illuminated, and displaying only the business name and occupant (no telephone numbers or advertising). Freestanding signs, yard signs, A-frames, banners, flags, and window graphics advertising a home business are prohibited. Lighting of any home-business sign is prohibited to preserve residential character. Signage in front yards or visible from public streets beyond the small plaque is disallowed. Home businesses may use standard residential-style address numbers and mailbox labels without restriction. Commercial-zoned storefronts follow the separate BMC Chapter 23.302 sign code. Violations are cited by Code Enforcement and can result in removal orders and fines starting at 100 dollars for a first offense and escalating. Exceptions for temporary open-studio or garage-sale signs (48-hour maximum) apply under nuisance rules. Contact Planning at (510) 981-7410.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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