Rankin County, MS Home Business: Signage Rules (2026)

Home-based business signage in Rankin County is governed by the zoning ordinances of each municipality under authority granted by MS Code Ann. §17-1-1 et seq. (Mississippi enabling legislation for local zoning). Brandon's zoning code, Pearl's Code of Ordinances, Richland's zoning regulations, and Flowood's zoning ordinance all include home occupation sections that require the business to be clearly secondary to the residential use and not change the appearance of the dwelling. Most Rankin County home occupation permits flatly prohibit any exterior sign advertising the business. Where a small sign is allowed, it is typically limited to one non-illuminated nameplate mounted flat on the principal structure, no larger than 1 to 2 square feet, displaying only the occupant's name and profession. Freestanding yard signs, pole signs, sandwich boards, banners, window signs visible from the street, and any form of illuminated or flashing signage are prohibited in residential zones. Vehicle-mounted business signage parked at the residence longer than permitted (typically prohibited for commercial vehicles over a certain weight per driveway rules) is also restricted. Political signs, real estate signs, and construction signs are governed separately and enjoy First Amendment protections that home business signs do not. HOA covenants in Castlewoods, Lake Caroline, Reservoir East, and other Rankin subdivisions typically impose even stricter sign prohibitions, and many subdivisions ban all commercial signage of any size.