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

Per the Humboldt County Cottage Industry Permit form, an applicant must affirmatively certify that the cottage industry will comply with the following advertising requirements: one sign only, no larger than two square feet, non-moving, and non-flashing illumination (if any). These standards are codified at Humboldt County Code Sections 313-45.2 and 314-45.1. For Home Occupations under Sections 313-50.1 and 314-50.1, the permit requires that 'the existence of the home business' must NOT be 'evident in the external appearance of the dwelling or premises,' which prohibits any business sign visible from the street. Address-of-Convenience uses are likewise non-residential activities tied solely to mail, phone, and record-keeping and may not display business signage at the residence. Off-site sign regulation in the unincorporated county is governed by the Humboldt County Zoning Code sign provisions (Title III), and signs in the public right-of-way are independently regulated by Caltrans and County Public Works.