Racine County, WI Home Business: Signage Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Sign size cap
- 2 square feet
- Sign type
- One nonilluminated nameplate only
- Post setback
- 5 ft from right-of-way
- Applies in
- Unincorporated towns under county zoning
Summary
Racine County's home occupation rule allows exactly one nonilluminated nameplate for a home business: capped at two square feet and set back at least five feet from the road if it's mounted on a post rather than the house.
one (1) nonilluminated nameplate (name, address and type of home occupation) not to exceed two (2) square feet in area either mounted flat on the dwelling or a yard light post or signpost set back a minimum of five (5) feet from the highway right-of-way line.
(4) A maximum of two (2) persons other than members of the immediate family residing in the dwelling may be employed in the dwelling unit at any given time. The applicant for a home occupation permit must reside at the location of the proposed home occupation.
(5) Except for storage of materials as allowed in section 20-1008(f), no activity related to a home occupation shall be conducted in any detached structure or in any attached garage. On-site tune-up, servicing, repair, salvage, wrecking, or painting services for non-property owner automobiles, trucks, boats, trailers, snowmobiles, recreational vehicles, or other motorized vehicles shall be prohibited as a home occupation.
(6) No stock in trade shall be displayed or sold upon the premises.
(7) A home occupation shall not generate noise, vibration, glare, odors, fumes, or hazards detectable to the normal senses off the property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33).
Full Breakdown
County zoning wants a home occupation invisible to neighbors except for one sign. Section 20-1015(b)(3) permits a single nonilluminated nameplate showing the operator's name, address, and occupation type, limited to two square feet, mounted flat on the dwelling or on a yard light post or signpost set back at least five feet from the highway right-of-way. No other exterior signage, lighting, or display is allowed. The rule applies to home occupations permitted under the county zoning ordinance in unincorporated towns that have adopted it; it does not reach the City of Racine or the incorporated villages, which set their own sign rules.
Violations & Fines
A larger, illuminated, or additional sign is grounds for the zoning administrator to deny or pull the home occupation permit, which is non-transferable between people or addresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a lit sign for my home business in Racine County?
Does this county sign rule apply in the City of Racine?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Racine County
Compare Racine County to another location·View the Wisconsin home business overview
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