Tacoma, WA Home Business: Signage Rules (2026)

One non-illuminated nameplate not exceeding one and one-half square feet in area placed flat against the building shall be allowed for each dwelling containing a Residential Business.

i. The Director may attach additional conditions to a Residential Business license to ensure that the criteria set forth above are met.

j. A Residential Business exceeding the standards listed above may be requested subject to Conditional Use Permit approval as a Residential Business 2 per TMC § 13.05.010A. However, a., d. and g. of this subsection may not be exceeded through such a Conditional Use Permit.

4. Residential Business 1 and Residential Business 2 comparison. Both Residential Business 1 and Residential Business 2 allows for limited commercial activity within a residential structure. Whereas some of these limitations are common to both types, Residential Business 2 generally allows for more intensive commercial use compared to those permitted in Residential Business 1. The table below identifies which use standards are shared and which are different.

Standard Residential Business 1 Residential Business 2 Comparison Primary use

The business use must be subordinate to the residential use. The business use must be subordinate to the residential use.

Same Outdoor display Outdoor display or storage is prohibited Outdoor display or storage is permitted but must be screened Different Exterior alterations Changes to the building’s outside appearance is prohibited