I own my own business and I my office and shop are on my personal property which is, of course, in a residential area. I would like to hang a professional looking sign from my mailbox post or on its own.
Is this legal?
Any help would be appreciated. I have researched it and have been unable to find the answer. I have not called my local gov't because I will probably be given the run-around.
Most residential zones do not allow any sort of advertising.
You may be able to get away with a sticker on your letterbox.
Try putting the advertising on your car and leave your car parked out front.
Hi Bill,
Depending on your zoning, you may or may not be allowed to hang a sign from your mail box. Hanging a mail box sign may not give you that much business anyways as not that many people will drive by a residential neighborhood. Some better options may be to put a magnetic sign on your vehicle and/or create a web site for your business.
Yes your local zoning department can tell you if you're allowed to place a sign or even run a business out of your home. Depending on the amount of traffic you get in and out of your home- that could throw a red flag with your neighbors even when you don't have a sign up and they can turn you in.
Most developments will not allow this and it should be in your deed restrictions and if there's an HOA they almost certainly will not allow this.
If you live in a rural area, maybe you live in a town that doesn't have any zoning laws, in that case you should be alright.
More than likely you won't be able to (I know it's stupid) but I've known many who have done this knowing that it's against the rules and usually they get away with it.
And in the few instances people get caught, usually they get a warning first before they are fined.
I'm not advising that you do this. If I were you, I would really try to find out through an organization like your nearest Small Business Administration office or the like.
Or maybe just ask small local business owners in your area if they know.
More than likely you won't be able to (I know it's stupid) but I've known many who have done this knowing that it's against the rules and usually they get away with it.
And in the few instances people get caught, usually they get a warning first before they are fined.
I'm not advising that you do this. If I were you, I would really try to find out through an organization like your nearest Small Business Administration office or the like.
Or maybe just ask small local business owners in your area if they know.
Honestly, if you're able to operate a coffee shop (public business) out of your home legally in your city\county you shouldn't have a problem. Now, if you're operating this business without the knowledge of your city and county I wouldn't go out and promote it via a sign.
Honestly, if you're able to operate a coffee shop (public business) out of your home legally in your city\county you shouldn't have a problem. Now, if you're operating this business without the knowledge of your city and county I wouldn't go out and promote it via a sign.
Don't know about the sign, but make sure you've registered the address with Google Places and other local business directories so people can find you when they search online too.
Don't know about the sign, but make sure you've registered the address with Google Places and other local business directories so people can find you when they search online too.
In addition to checking with your zoning department, check with your homeowner's associaton. Many of them prevent you from having a business sign even if your zoning department allows it.
NicoleD | Former Moderator |
10/26/2010 - 12:59 pm
Your local zoning laws may prohibit you from posting signage in a residential area. You can read more about zoning laws for home-based businesses here at Business.gov
Where is your business located?
jamiehutch | Window Shopper | 4/26/2011 - 3:28 am
bmessick | Window Shopper | 12/13/2010 - 10:17 am
RCP32 | Performer | 10/26/2010 - 12:59 pm
brittles | Creator | 10/26/2010 - 12:59 pm
NRiddle | Contributor | 10/26/2010 - 12:59 pm
ddrake | Performer | 10/26/2010 - 12:59 pm
BizResearcher | Window Shopper | 10/26/2010 - 12:59 pm
NicoleD | Former Moderator | 10/26/2010 - 12:59 pm
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