Fairfax, VA Home Business: Signage Rules (2026)

Preserving residential neighborhood character is a primary goal of home occupation regulation in the City of Fairfax, and external signage advertising home-based businesses is among the most strictly limited aspects. The city zoning ordinance typically prohibits any exterior sign for a home occupation beyond a small identification plate (often limited to 1 to 2 square feet) displaying only the occupant's name and possibly profession, without commercial logos, phone numbers, service descriptions, or lighting. Illuminated signs, neon, LED displays, and backlit signs are prohibited in residential zones for any use. Window signs visible from the street are generally treated as exterior signs and prohibited. Sandwich boards, flags, banners, and A-frame signs placed on residential property or public right-of-way are prohibited. Yard signs advertising products or services (other than limited real estate, political, and contractor signs) are prohibited. Commercially lettered vehicles parked at the residence are a gray area: one commercial vehicle registered to the resident may be parked in the driveway under home occupation rules, but large graphics or fleet vehicles may be treated as signage and prohibited. Mailbox labels and standard residential address numbers are not considered signage. Violations are enforced through zoning code enforcement and may result in removal orders and civil penalties. Businesses needing visible signage should locate in a commercial zoning district.