Downey Signage Rules Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Downey Municipal Code Section 9408 governing home occupations, read in conjunction with the general residential use standard at Section 9312.08, creates a total prohibition on exterior signage for home-based businesses. Section 9312.08 states that no lot, building, or structure shall be used or appear to be used for commercial purposes in a residential zone. Displaying any sign advertising a business on the exterior of a residence would cause the property to appear to be used for commercial purposes, directly violating this provision.

Section 9408.08 conditions for home occupation permits reinforce this by requiring that the home occupation not change the residential character or appearance of the property. Business identity must remain entirely private from the street. No exterior signs, banners, flags, placards, sandwich boards, vehicle graphics parked permanently in view, or any other form of external business identification visible from the public right-of-way is permitted. This applies regardless of sign size.

Downey's sign regulations (Section 9614.02) list additional prohibited sign types including signs within the public right-of-way, rooftop signs, and animated signs. Permanent signs in any zone require a Sign Permit Application and a Building Permit, and the Planning Division will not approve such permits for home occupations in residential zones. Window signs in commercial zones do not require a permit but must meet size and material standards — however, home occupations in residential zones are not permitted to advertise through any means visible from the exterior. Business cards, websites, social media, and off-site advertising are not regulated by Downey's sign rules.