Santa Monica Signage Rules Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

SMMC Section 9.31 imposes an absolute prohibition on exterior signage associated with home occupations in residential zones, and this prohibition is reinforced by the Santa Monica Sign Code under SMMC Section 9.52, which restricts commercial signage to commercially zoned areas. There must be no visible exterior indication that a business is operated from a residence. This includes permanent signs of any kind on the exterior of the building, window signs visible from the street, door placards, mailbox labels, fence-mounted signs, yard signs, and any other visible display.

Temporary commercial advertising associated with a home business — including banners, A-frame signs placed in front of the residence, inflatable displays, or sandwich boards — is also prohibited in residential zones. A commercial vehicle with permanent lettering, logos, or advertising for the home business may not be parked at the residence on a regular basis in a manner that effectively functions as a sign visible from the street. This does not prohibit a business owner from owning a marked commercial vehicle, but the vehicle should not become a de facto advertisement for the home business at the residential address. The signage prohibition is strictly enforced because exterior commercial evidence is one of the most common indicators of an out-of-compliance home occupation. A violation can trigger revocation of the home occupation business license.