Union, NY Home Business: Signage Rules (2026)

Two sections of the Town of Union zoning chapter control a home business sign. Section 300-52.3 lists the signs that can be erected without a permit, and item M covers home occupation signs: one sign for each dwelling unit, not to exceed two square feet in area, indicating the name, location or identification of a home occupation, with a minimum street setback of 10 feet. The section adds that signs in this list, although exempt from a permit, shall conform to the height, setback and size requirements detailed in the chapter.

The home occupation section repeats the size cap. Section 300-40.9(K) allows one freestanding or wall-mounted sign and sets the maximum size at two square feet, so the owner can choose a post sign or a wall sign but not both. Subsection D adds that the sign must be placed in accordance with Article 52 and that there can be no other exterior indication of the home occupation or variation from the residential character of the principal building. Display of merchandise or materials outside is also barred.

The sign allowance sits beside a separate exempt category in § 300-52.3(N): house numbers and nameplates not exceeding two square feet for each dwelling unit. A home business owner therefore keeps the ordinary address number and nameplate apart from the business sign.

The sign right belongs only to a qualifying home occupation, meaning one carried on wholly within the principal building, covering no more than 1/3 of the floor area, in a property that remains a residence occupied by the owner of the business.