San Bernardino County, CA Home Business: Signage Rules (2026)

Under San Bernardino County Development Code Chapter 84.12, signage for home occupations is tightly restricted. Section 84.12.070(f) (External Appearance) provides that the appearance of the structure shall not be altered, nor shall the occupation be conducted in a manner that causes the premises to differ from its residential character by use of colors, materials, construction, lighting, or signs. As a result, Class I and Class II home occupations effectively may not display business signage. Section 84.12.070(d) further limits advertising: public advertising (such as handbills) may only list the phone number, operator's name, post office box, and description of business; location information is limited to community name, and the business address may not appear in public advertising except in a telephone directory (white pages) and on business cards. The one exception is Class III home occupations, which are allowed only in the Desert Region: Section 84.12.100(f) permits a single non-illuminated identification sign not exceeding 12 square feet stating the business name and telephone number. If the sign is not attached to the residence it may not exceed six feet in height and must blend with the architectural style of the structure and neighborhood, and it is only allowed in a land use zoning district other than RS (Single-Family Residential) or RM (Multi-Family Residential).