Santa Clara County prohibits exterior signs, window displays, and any visible indication of a home-based business. Home occupations must preserve the residential appearance of the property.
Santa Clara County home occupation standards explicitly prohibit signs, window displays, or other exterior indicators that a business is being conducted on the property. The intent is to preserve the visual and functional character of residential neighborhoods. No on-premises advertising of any kind, including sandwich boards, banners, flags, vehicle wraps parked long-term in the driveway, or illuminated signs, may be used to promote a home business. Internal signage not visible from the public right-of-way or adjacent properties is acceptable. Real estate, political, and construction signs follow separate sign code rules and are not considered home business signage. Home occupations may still advertise through online listings, business cards, mailers, and off-site media. Each incorporated city (San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Palo Alto) has similar prohibitions under its own municipal sign code.
Unauthorized business signage may trigger administrative citations of 100 to 500 dollars per day plus sign removal orders. Repeated violations can lead to revocation of any home occupation allowance and code enforcement action.
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