Modoc County, CA Home Business: Signage Rules (2026)

Modoc County's zoning code keeps home-business signage minimal so that residential areas keep their residential character. The definition of a home occupation in Section 18.06.510 states that no advertising may occur on or near the premises except that one nameplate, not exceeding twelve inches by six inches and containing the name and/or occupation, may be attached on and flush with the dwelling or accessory building. The limited-home-occupation criteria in Section 18.100.010(D)(5)(c) repeat this: no advertising shall occur on or near the premises except that one nameplate which does not exceed 12 inches by 6 inches may attach flush to the dwelling or accessory building. The same section (subsection d) also prohibits altering the appearance of the dwelling or using signs, colors, materials, or lighting that would make the property differ from the surrounding residential character. Beyond the home-occupation nameplate, the county's general sign regulations are in Section 18.110.070, which (among other things) allows certain small accessory residential signs and limits sign area in residential zones — for example, appurtenant accessory residential signs generally may not exceed four square feet each, with an aggregate cap in the high-density, low-density, and rural residential zones. There is no provision for a freestanding commercial business sign at a home occupation. The Planning Department in Alturas administers these standards; anyone wanting more than a small nameplate would generally need to seek a use permit or a different zoning entitlement.