Exterior signs advertising home-based businesses are generally prohibited in Dearborn residential districts to preserve neighborhood character; interior signage not visible from outside is allowed.
Dearborn zoning typically requires home occupations to preserve the residential appearance of the dwelling and surrounding neighborhood. As a result, exterior business signage including window signs, yard signs, and wall-mounted signs is generally not permitted for home occupations in residential zones. The home must look like a home from the street, not a commercial establishment. Temporary signage for open houses, garage sales, or election purposes is governed separately. Magnetic vehicle signs on personal vehicles parked in driveways are usually allowed since they are mobile. Commercial trucks and trailers with business graphics typically cannot be stored overnight in residential driveways due to commercial vehicle parking rules. Home-based businesses should rely on online directories, social media, and word of mouth for marketing rather than physical street signs.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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