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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified June 2026

Key Facts

Code Section
Development Code § 22.32.100(B)(3)
Maximum Sign
One name plate, not exceeding 1 sq. ft.
Window displays
Prohibited
Advertising signs
Prohibited (other than the name plate)
Merchandise display
Prohibited on premises
General Sign Rules
Title 22, Chapter 22.28 and Chapter 22.60

Summary

Marin County Development Code § 22.32.100(B)(3) prohibits window displays and advertising signs for any home occupation in unincorporated Marin. The only on-site identification allowed is a single name plate not exceeding one square foot in area, and no display of merchandise or stock in trade is permitted.

City-specific rules exist: San Rafael has its own signage rules rules that differ from Marin County's county-level regulations. If you live in San Rafael, check the city-specific page instead.

3. Display, signs. There shall be no window display or advertising sign(s), other than one name plate not exceeding one square foot in area. There shall be no display of merchandise or stock in trade or other identification of the home occupation activity on the premises.

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Full Breakdown

Section 22.32.100(B)(3) states: 'Display, signs. There shall be no window display or advertising sign(s), other than one name plate not exceeding one square foot in area. There shall be no display of merchandise or stock in trade or other identification of the home occupation activity on the premises.' This is paired with § 22.32.100(B)(2) (Visibility), which requires that 'the home occupation activity [shall not] be visible from the adjoining public right-of-way or from neighboring properties.' Permitting and general restrictions for signs in the unincorporated County are also governed by Chapter 22.28 (Signs) and Chapter 22.60 (Permits for Signs); a one-square-foot residential nameplate is well within the scope of the limited residential signage allowed by those chapters, but any sign exceeding the home-occupation limit would defeat the § 22.32.100 standard and require both removal and (potentially) a sign permit under Chapter 22.60.

Violations & Fines

Placing a window display, an advertising sign, or any identification of the business beyond a single one-square-foot nameplate is a violation of § 22.32.100 and disqualifies the use as an allowed home occupation. The County may issue a notice of violation, require removal of the sign or display, and order the home occupation to cease until brought into compliance or upgraded to a Conditional Use Permit. Sign-permit enforcement under Chapter 22.60 may also apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a sign in my front yard advertising my home business?
No. Section 22.32.100(B)(3) limits home-occupation signage to a single name plate of no more than one square foot. Any larger sign or advertising would violate the home-occupation standards and could trigger code enforcement.
Can I display products in my front window if I sell from home?
No. Section 22.32.100(B)(3) expressly prohibits 'window display or advertising sign(s)' and any 'display of merchandise or stock in trade ... on the premises.' Even an interior display visible from the street is not allowed.
Does the one-square-foot nameplate need a sign permit?
Small residential nameplates are typically allowed under the County's Chapter 22.28 / 22.60 sign rules without a separate Sign Permit, but you should confirm with the Marin CDA Planning Division if the sign is illuminated or attached to anything other than the dwelling.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Marin County

Zoning & Home Occupation PermitsSome RestrictionsHome DaycareFew RestrictionsCustomer Traffic RestrictionsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Bird ProtectionSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Native PlantsLight RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Rainwater HarvestingFew Restrictions

All Marin County rules

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Signage Rules in Cities Across Marin County

San Rafael, CA