Orange County Signage Rules Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

In unincorporated Orange County residential zones — covering communities such as Coto de Caza, Ladera Ranch, Rancho Mission Viejo, Trabuco Canyon, Silverado Canyon, Modjeska Canyon, and Santiago Canyon — the county's zoning code effectively prohibits all exterior business signage for home occupations. The home occupation provisions require that the business not change the residential appearance or character of the property and neighborhood. Any sign identifying the residence as a business location is considered inconsistent with this standard.

The sign prohibition covers all forms of exterior signage: yard signs, window signs, door decals, fence-mounted signs, wall-mounted plaques or nameplates, illuminated signs, A-frame sidewalk signs, and any other device that communicates a commercial message from the property. Even a small, tasteful nameplate identifying a professional practice (attorney, accountant, therapist) is not permitted if visible from the public right-of-way. This is consistent with the county's approach of maintaining purely residential character in its unincorporated neighborhoods.

Limited exceptions exist under state law. California Health and Safety Code provisions for licensed family day care homes and residential care facilities may allow a small identifying sign as preempted by state law. Additionally, vehicle graphics — wraps, magnetic door signs, and similar vehicle advertising — are not regulated by the county's residential sign ordinance when vehicles are operated and parked off the residential property. When a wrapped or signed vehicle is parked at the home, it could draw Code Enforcement attention if it creates a persistent commercial appearance. Home-based businesses should direct all marketing to online platforms, business cards, and off-property advertising. HOA communities in unincorporated Orange County often have even stricter sign prohibitions in their CC&Rs.