Santa Cruz County, CA Home Business: Signage Rules (2026)

Signage for home-based businesses in the unincorporated County is tightly limited by Santa Cruz County Code (SCCC) Section 13.10.613(B)(2). The code provides that there shall be no visible or external evidence of the home occupation other than one unlighted sign not exceeding one square foot in area, which shall be affixed to the dwelling or building in which the home occupation is conducted. If both the dwelling and the building are set back more than 40 feet from the front property line, the sign may instead be affixed to the mailbox. No larger sign, and no outdoor storage, operations, or activity is allowed unless a Level V conditional home occupation use permit is obtained; in that case, the allowed outdoor use must be reasonably screened from the street and adjoining properties. The County's Home Occupations publication confirms that one unlighted sign no larger than one square foot may be attached to the house or building, and that larger or illuminated signs require a conditional use permit. This restriction is intended to preserve the residential character of the property and neighborhood, which is a core purpose of the home occupation regulations. Because the limit is set by the County's own zoning code rather than deferred to State law, it applies specifically to home occupations in unincorporated Santa Cruz County.