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Lincoln, NE Home Business: Signage Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Max sign area
2 square feet, one nameplate only
Max letter height
2 inches
Illumination
No illumination, animation, or reflection
Mounting
Attached to the dwelling or accessory building

Summary

Lincoln caps home occupation signage at one nameplate no larger than two square feet, with lettering no taller than two inches, mounted directly on the dwelling or accessory building.

There is no sign other than one nonanimated, nonilluminated, nonreflecting nameplate not more than two square feet in area, which nameplate designates the home occupation carried on within, in letters not to exceed two inches in height and attached to the building wherein the home occupation is conducted.

b. There is no commodity sold upon the premises except that which is prepared on the premises in connection with such occupation or activity or which is sold in relation and incidental to such occupation or activity. This section shall not prohibit the sale of restored antique articles on premises for which a second-hand dealer's permit has been issued by the city and which permit was in force and effect on May 30, 1981; provided, however, that the discontinuance of such sales for a continuous period of six months or the failure to pay the required occupation tax and maintain a current permit shall constitute a termination of the rights granted under this exception and thereafter any home occupation conducted upon such premises shall strictly conform to the conditions applicable to home occupations generally. Welding, vehicle body repair, mechanical repair, or rebuilding or dismantling of vehicles are not permitted as a home occupation. This section shall not prohibit the sale of food or ornamental crops grown on-site.

https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/lincoln-ne/doc-viewer.aspx#secid-6263

1453/1518

8/11/26, 11:58 PM

Document Viewer | Municipal Code

Full Breakdown

Lincoln Municipal Code § 27.70.010(a) restricts home occupation signage to a single nonanimated, nonilluminated, nonreflecting nameplate of two square feet or less, with letters no taller than two inches, attached to the building where the home occupation is conducted. No other sign is allowed on the premises. The rule sits inside Lincoln's broader home occupation ordinance, which also bars outdoor storage, limits nonresident employees to one disabled-owner exception, and caps the business's use of the dwelling at twenty percent of its floor area.

Violations & Fines

A nonconforming home-occupation sign is a zoning code violation; the Building & Safety Department can order it removed and can revoke the home occupation's approval until the property complies with Section 27.70.010(a).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put an illuminated sign on my house for a home business in Lincoln?
No. Section 27.70.010(a) requires the nameplate to be nonanimated, nonilluminated, and nonreflecting: a plain two-square-foot sign is all that's allowed.
How big can a home business sign be in Lincoln?
Up to two square feet, with letters no taller than two inches, mounted on the building where the home occupation operates.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lincoln

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