Oakland Municipal Code 17.102.040 limits home-occupation signage to one non-illuminated sign no larger than two square feet, attached flat to the building, with no advertising visible from the public right-of-way beyond that minor identification.
Oakland's Home Occupation standards under OMC 17.102 are stricter than many cities on exterior signage. The operative rule is that there shall be no exterior evidence of the home occupation other than a single identification sign not exceeding two square feet in area. The sign must be non-illuminated, attached flat against the wall of the dwelling, and contain only the name of the occupant and, if desired, the occupation. Freestanding signs, window signs advertising the business, pole signs, banners, and any form of electronic or neon display are prohibited for home occupations. Vehicles used primarily for the business and parked at the residence displaying commercial lettering are also regulated; commercial vehicles over a certain size or with roof-mounted signage may be prohibited from overnight residential parking under OMC 10.36. Permitted commercial signage in commercial zones falls under OMC Chapter 17.104, which is a different and more permissive regime.
Oversized or illuminated signs on a home-occupation property can trigger administrative citations starting at 100 dollars per violation, removal orders under OMC 17.104.120, and possible revocation of the Zoning Clearance. Continued violations can escalate to 500 dollars per day and require discontinuation of the home occupation.
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