Under SMC §19.50.040, a home occupation in the City of Sonoma may not display window signs, advertising signs, merchandise, products, or stock in trade visible from the exterior; the City Planner may allow one name plate not exceeding one (1) square foot.
SMC §19.50.040(B) (Basic Operating Standards) for home occupations expressly prohibits the display of window or advertising sign(s), merchandise, products, or stock in trade, or other identification of the home occupation on the premises. The only exception is one name plate, not exceeding one square foot in total area, which may be allowed by the City Planner. Illumination of the name plate is not permitted under the standard prohibiting changes to the residential character through 'colors, materials, lighting, noise, or signs.' This is a substantially stricter standard than unincorporated Sonoma County (Code Ch. 26 Art. 88), which allows one attached, non-illuminated, two (2) square-foot sign for home occupations administered through Permit Sonoma's PJR-048 process. All signage at residences in Sonoma is additionally governed by Title 18 (Signs and Display Advertising) of the Sonoma Municipal Code, which generally prohibits commercial signs in residential zoning districts except as expressly allowed.
Erecting a sign, window display, or product display for a home occupation without Planner approval, or exceeding the 1 sq ft name-plate maximum, is a violation of SMC §19.50.040 enforced through administrative citation under SMC Ch. 1.28: typically $100 first offense, $200 second within 12 months, $500 each subsequent. The City may also order removal of the sign and revoke the home occupation permit if signage conditions are not met. Continuing violations are counted as separate offenses each day under SMC §1.12 (General Penalty).
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