Petaluma, CA Home Business: Signage Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Max sign size
- 1.5 square feet
- Illumination
- Not allowed
- Mounting
- Flat against outside wall
- Address advertising
- Prohibited except business cards
- Phone book listing
- Phone number only, no address
Summary
A Petaluma home-based business can post only one small sign. IZO Section 7.050(E)(10) caps a home occupation identification sign at 1.5 square feet, requires it to be non-illuminated, and requires it to be mounted flat against an outside wall of the house rather than freestanding or hung.
8. No advertising shall be used which informs the public of the address of the home occupation (business cards and stationery letterhead excluded). ... ... 10. A non-illuminated identification sign of not more than 1-1/2 square feet in area may be placed flat against an outside wall of the house to advertise the home occupation. ... ... G. Advertising. There shall be no outside advertising of the use other than within the phone book and then no address of the premises shall be listed, only a telephone number.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2931 NCS, passed July 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
5 square feet, and it must be placed flat against an outside wall of the house rather than posted in a yard, hung from a post, or lit up at night. 050(B), issued by the Director acting as Zoning Administrator. 050(G) separately bars all outside advertising of the business other than a phone-book listing, which itself may include no address, only a telephone number. Together the three provisions mean a Petaluma home business can name itself on a small wall plaque and list a phone number in the phone book, but cannot use a yard sign, an illuminated sign, or any advertisement that would draw drive-by customers to the address. 050(H) following a complaint or the Director's own observation.
Violations & Fines
Posting an oversized, illuminated, or freestanding sign, or otherwise advertising the home occupation's address in violation of Sections 7.050(E)(8) and (G), is grounds for the Director to review the permit under Section 7.050(H) and to suspend or revoke it. Once revoked, the operator cannot reapply for a home occupation permit at that address for one year, and the sign itself must come down along with any noncompliant advertising.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big a sign can I put up for my Petaluma home business?
Can I advertise my home business's address online or in a flyer?
What happens if I put up a bigger sign than allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Petaluma
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