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

Montgomery County Zoning Ordinance Ch 59, Section 3.3.3 explicitly prohibits any exterior signage indicating the operation of a home occupation. This includes signs on the building facade, in windows visible from outside, on fences, in the yard, or on mailboxes. Magnetic or removable signs on vehicles parked at the residence that advertise the business are also considered violations if regularly displayed. The Sign Ordinance (Ch 59, Division 6.7) reinforces this prohibition for residential zones. No temporary signs, banners, A-frames, or illuminated displays are permitted for home-based businesses. Business nameplates on the front door that are visible from the street may trigger enforcement. The intent is to preserve residential neighborhood character with no external evidence of commercial activity. Commercial vehicles with business lettering may park at the residence (one vehicle under 10,000 lbs) but the vehicle itself is not considered a sign. DPS Code Compliance handles sign violation complaints. Political signs and real estate signs have separate, more permissive rules under Ch 59, Division 6.7 and are not affected by home occupation restrictions.