Milpitas, CA Home Business: Signage Rules (2026)

Under the City of Milpitas Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, Section C.10.130 (Home Occupations), the signs and advertising standard states that no signs are permitted either on or off the premises in connection with a home occupation. This prohibition expressly includes signs affixed to or painted on vehicles that are associated with the home occupation and stored at the dwelling. In addition, products or equipment produced or used by the home occupation must not be displayed in a manner visible from the exterior of the dwelling. The purpose of these standards is to keep the home occupation incidental to the residential use and to preserve neighborhood character, so a home business in Milpitas cannot use a yard sign, window sign, building sign, or advertising vehicle to draw customers to the residence. Because there are no permitted customer-attracting signs, a home occupation must rely on off-site advertising (such as phone or internet) rather than visible on-site identification. These rules are stricter than those of many cities that allow a small nameplate sign; Milpitas allows none. Exterior alterations not consistent with residential use are also prohibited under the same section, reinforcing that the home must continue to look residential.