Brentwood home occupation rules prohibit any exterior signage advertising a home-based business. The residence must retain its residential character, meaning no signs, lighted displays, window graphics, or merchandise visible from the street or adjacent properties. Violations are typically cited under the zoning code with administrative fines.
A cornerstone of Brentwood's home occupation regulations, as with nearly all California cities, is that home-based businesses must not alter the residential appearance of the property. No signage, business name displays, window graphics, sandwich boards, banners, or lighted advertising is permitted on the exterior of the home or visible from the street. Even temporary "open" flags or directional signs pointing to the home business are prohibited. Permitted magnetic business graphics on a personal vehicle parked in a driveway are generally allowed but must not exceed typical size or include flashing elements. Internal signage for wayfinding (such as office or studio labels inside the home) is unrestricted. Commercial vehicles parked overnight in a residential driveway may be limited by zoning, and vehicles lettered with business names typically must be registered as personal use and parked in a fully enclosed garage where feasible. Code enforcement typically responds to signage complaints by issuing a Notice of Violation with a 10- to 30-day cure period; uncured violations may trigger administrative fines starting around $100 and escalating for repeat offenses, and ultimately revocation of the home occupation permit. These signage rules do not apply to standard residential name/address plaques or HOA-required house-number displays.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Contra Costa County handle signage rules.
See how Brentwood's signage rules rules stack up against other locations.
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