Exterior signs for home-based businesses are prohibited in Sunnyvale residential zones. The home occupation must have no outward indication of non-residential use under Municipal Code Chapter 19.68.
Sunnyvale Municipal Code Chapter 19.68 expressly prohibits any exterior signs, window displays, lighting, or advertising structures related to a home occupation. The intent is to preserve the residential character of neighborhoods. This means business owners cannot post a sign on the home or lawn even to indicate their business name or hours. Small decal-style markings for service vehicles parked on the property are allowed if the vehicle is under 10000 pounds GVW and parked normally in the driveway. Advertising the home address in online directories is not regulated but is discouraged because it often leads to customer visits that may violate other home occupation rules. Violations can result in citations of 100 dollars per day until the sign is removed.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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