San Bernardino County, CA Home Business: Signage Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- General rule
- No signs that alter residential appearance
- Class I / II signs
- Not permitted
- Class III sign (Desert)
- Non-illuminated, up to 12 sq ft
- Detached sign height
- Max 6 feet, must blend with neighborhood
- Sign zoning limit
- Not allowed in RS or RM zones
- Advertising address rule
- No business address except white pages / business cards
Summary
Home occupations in unincorporated San Bernardino County generally may not use signs or alter the home's residential appearance. Only a Class III home occupation in the Desert Region may have a non-illuminated identification sign up to 12 square feet, and not in single-family or multi-family residential zones.
A non-illuminated identification sign, not to exceed 12 square feet in area and stating the business name and telephone number, shall be allowed. If not attached to the residence, a sign shall not exceed six feet in height and shall blend with the architectural style of the structure and the neighborhood. The sign shall only be allowed in a land use zoning district other than RS (Single-Family Residential) or RM (Multi-Family Residential).
(g) Storage Area. Up to 35 percent of the total floor area of the dwelling unit and related accessory structures or 500 square feet, whichever is greater, may be used for storage of materials, supplies, and equipment related to the use.
(h) Operating Hours. Operating hours of a home occupation shall be between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. (Ord. 4011, passed - -2007)
Full Breakdown
12, signage for home occupations is tightly restricted. 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. 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.
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).
Violations & Fines
Displaying a business sign for a Class I or II home occupation, or a sign that illuminates or alters the home's residential appearance, violates the external-appearance standard. A Class III sign that exceeds 12 square feet, is illuminated, or is placed in an RS or RM zone is also a violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put up a sign for my home business in unincorporated San Bernardino County?
Can I advertise my home business address?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California home business overview
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