Butte County, CA Home Business: Signage Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Zoning Ordinance Section 24-162
- Max Signs
- 1
- Max Area
- 6 square feet
- Mounting
- Wall-mounted only
- Illumination
- Not allowed
- Sign Application
- PLA-10 Permanent Sign Application
Summary
Butte County Zoning Ordinance Section 24-162 allows a home occupation to display one single, non-illuminated, wall-mounted sign of not more than six (6) square feet. Free-standing signs, illuminated signs, and signs larger than 6 square feet are not permitted in connection with a home occupation.
Signage: One single, non-illuminated wall-mounted sign of not more than 6 square feet in area is permitted.
Full Breakdown
Under Section 24-162 of the Butte County Zoning Ordinance, signage associated with a home occupation is sharply restricted to preserve the residential character of the neighborhood. Only one sign is permitted per home occupation, and it must be (a) a single sign, (b) non-illuminated, (c) wall-mounted (attached to the dwelling or accessory structure - not free-standing in the yard or right-of-way), and (d) not more than six square feet in area. By implication, internally-illuminated signs, externally lit signs, pole signs, monument signs, banners, A-frames or sandwich boards, and digital or electronic message signs are all prohibited for home occupations.
The County's Permanent Sign Application (PLA-10) is administered by the Planning Division and may be required depending on the size and zoning district. Where the home occupation is located in an overlay zone (for example, the Watershed Protection Overlay or Airport Compatibility Overlay), additional sign restrictions in those overlays apply on top of the Section 24-162 standard. Off-site advertising of a home occupation - signs located somewhere other than the property where the business is conducted - is not authorized under Section 24-162.
Violations & Fines
Erecting an unpermitted sign, an illuminated sign, a free-standing sign, or a sign larger than 6 square feet in connection with a home occupation is a Chapter 24 zoning violation. The Planning Division may issue a notice to remove the sign, revoke the home occupation's Administrative Permit or Minor Use Permit, and refer the matter to Code Enforcement (530-552-3700) for administrative penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a sign for my home business in unincorporated Butte County?
Can I put a sandwich-board or A-frame sign in the yard?
Do I need a sign permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Butte County
California rules heatmap·Compare Butte County to another location·View the California home business overview
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