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Baltimore County, MD Home Business: Signage Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Max sign area
Two square feet total
Projection
Not more than one foot beyond building
Illumination
Not permitted
Professional nameplate
Also capped at two square feet
Exterior
Must look like a private dwelling

Summary

Baltimore County limits home-occupation signage in residence zones to a total of two square feet in area, not projecting more than one foot beyond the building, and not illuminated. Professional-office nameplates are likewise capped at two square feet.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Baltimore County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Home Occupations, provided that no sign or signs shall be displayed on the lot so used exceeding a total of two square feet in area, not projecting more than one foot beyond the building, and not illuminated.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 29 | Zoning Regulations: Supplement 10).

Full Breakdown

Under the Baltimore County Zoning Regulations, home occupations are permitted in residence zones "provided that no sign or signs shall be displayed on the lot so used exceeding a total of two square feet in area, not projecting more than one foot beyond the building, and not illuminated." For a professional office situated in the practitioner's private dwelling, "no name plate shall be displayed exceeding two square feet in area." More broadly, the home-occupation definition prohibits any exterior display, other than signs otherwise permitted, that would indicate the building is used for any purpose other than a dwelling. The county's Home Occupation Use Permit affidavit reinforces that the exterior appearance must always be consistent with a private residential dwelling.

Violations & Fines

A home-occupation sign that exceeds two square feet, projects more than one foot, or is illuminated violates the BCZR and can be cited by PAI/Code Enforcement, which may require removal of the non-conforming sign.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big can my home-business sign be?
No more than two square feet total in area, not projecting more than one foot beyond the building, and not illuminated, under the Baltimore County Zoning Regulations for home occupations in residence zones.
Can I light up my home-business sign at night?
No. The BCZR provision for home-occupation signs in residence zones states the sign must not be illuminated.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Baltimore County

Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsZoning & Home Occupation PermitsSome RestrictionsHome DaycareSome RestrictionsCottage Food OperationsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Baltimore County rules

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