San Ramon, CA Home Business: Signage Rules (2026)

One of the foundational standards of San Ramon's Home Occupation Permit is the complete prohibition of exterior commercial signage. No signs, banners, flags, lighted displays, sandwich boards, vehicle wraps parked on-site as advertising, window lettering, or any other visible identification of a business on the premises is allowed. This preserves the residential character of neighborhoods, complies with the broader San Ramon sign ordinance, and is typical of home occupation rules statewide. Address numbers and name plates for the residents are permitted (and required for 911 response). Business cards, websites, and online marketing are unrestricted — the prohibition applies only to on-site physical signage. Commercial vehicles with business lettering parked on a residential property may be subject to additional restrictions depending on vehicle size; generally, one service vehicle under ¾-ton is permitted. HOAs in master-planned communities like Gale Ranch, Windemere, and Canyon Lakes impose even stricter standards, often prohibiting any non-standard signage. Violations are handled through code enforcement with written notices followed by administrative citations, which in San Ramon start around $100 for a first offense and escalate with repeat violations. Cottage Food Operations are also subject to the no-signage rule at the residential site. Short-term rental operators — in jurisdictions that allow them — are likewise generally prohibited from having exterior signage.