Merced County, CA Home Business: Signage Rules (2026)

Signage for home-based businesses is governed by Chapter 18.44 (Sign Regulations) of Merced County's Title 18 Zoning Code, applied through the home occupation standards in Section 18.60.080. Section 18.60.080(B)(2) states that signs may be provided only in compliance with Chapter 18.44, and Section 18.60.080(A)(5) prohibits any advertising that calls attention to the home being used for business purposes, including listing the home address in telephone listings or mass-media advertising. In residential zones, Table 3-13 (Sign Standards for Residential Uses) allows a Name Plate (wall sign) at one per single-family use with a maximum sign area of 2 square feet. A nameplate is defined in the code as a sign indicating the name and/or address of a structure or occupant. Section 18.44.140 (Signs in Residential Zones) further requires that signs be located only on the premises occupied by the person or business identified, and that they comply with the County's building, electrical, and fire prevention codes. In agricultural zones, the sign tables include a distinct Home Occupation Sign that requires approval of a Sign Permit (Table 3-17). Because the home occupation standards forbid altering the residential appearance of the dwelling through signs, large, illuminated, or attention-attracting business signs are not permitted in residential neighborhoods.