Sign Regulations in Washington, Ohio
Washington, Ohio has specific sign regulations covering 7 sign types across 12 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Window Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 11, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Washington, Ohio
Sample Sign Requirements in Washington
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | 20 ft. | 2 sq. ft. | — |
| Freestanding Sign | 20 ft. | 10 sq. ft. | 15 ft. |
| Window Sign | 15 ft. | 30 sq. ft. | 15 ft. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
7
- Wall Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Window Sign
- Projecting Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
12
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Washington
Other Cities in Ohio
Frequently Asked Questions
In Washington, wall signs can be up to 20 ft. and monument signs are limited to 20 ft.. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Washington, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Washington, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Window Sign, Projecting Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Washington, monument signs typically require a 15 ft. setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Washington are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Washington has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
Ready to Research Washington Sign Permits?
Stop spending hours searching through municipal codes. Get instant access to Washington, Ohio sign regulations with PermitPal's AI-powered platform.
No credit card required · Get results in seconds
Washington, Ohio Sign Rules at a Glance
Washington, Ohio regulates 7 sign types across 12 zoning districts. Wall Signs in the Business, professional, administrative offices in B-1 and B-2 Districts zoning district are capped at 15 ft. tall and 30 sq. ft., with a 15 ft. setback (Sec. § 156.118 Schedule of Sign Regulations). Most commercial signs in Washington require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Washington, Ohio
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Washington (12 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential District (R-1, R-2, R-M, R-R) | 3 | 20 ft. | 20 sq. ft. | — |
| Office in RO District | 1 | 20 ft. | 2 sq. ft. | — |
| Nursery schools, day care facilities in R-3 District | 2 | 20 ft. | 10 sq. ft. | — |
| Schools, churches, hospitals and other institutions in CF District | 2 | 35 ft. | 40 sq. ft. | — |
| Business, professional, administrative offices in B-1 and B-2 Districts | 5 | 15 ft. | 30 sq. ft. | — |
| Business, professional, public and administrative offices in B-3 District | 5 | 25 ft. | 100 sq. ft. | — |
| General and retail and commercial in B-1 and B-2 Districts | 5 | 20 ft. | 50 sq. ft. | — |
| General retail and commercial in the B-3 District | 5 | 25 ft. | 200 sq. ft. | — |
| Automobile dealership, hotel, motel in B-3 District | 5 | 35 ft. | 200 sq. ft. | — |
| Permitted uses within the LI, GE Districts | 3 | 35 ft. | 200 sq. ft. | — |
| Planned Unit Development Districts | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | 15 ft. in B-3, LI or GE District; 8 ft. in other districts | 33% of total window area | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Washington(sample of 3 of 12 zones)
Business, professional, administrative offices in B-1 and B-2 Districts
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | 15 ft. | 30 sq. ft. | — | 15 ft. | 1 per frontage | Business, professional, administrative offices | — | Unlock | § 156.118 Schedule of Sign Regulations |
| Freestanding Sign | 15 ft. | 30 sq. ft. | — | 15 ft. | 1 per frontage | Business, professional, administrative offices | — | Unlock | § 156.118 Schedule of Sign Regulations |
| Window Sign | 15 ft. | 30 sq. ft. | — | 15 ft. | 1 per frontage | Business, professional, administrative offices | — | Unlock | § 156.118 Schedule of Sign Regulations |
| Projecting Sign | 15 ft. | 30 sq. ft. | — | 15 ft. | 1 per frontage | Business, professional, administrative offices | — | Unlock | § 156.118 Schedule of Sign Regulations |
| Awning Sign | 15 ft. | 30 sq. ft. | — | 15 ft. | 1 per frontage | Business, professional, administrative offices | — | Unlock | § 156.118 Schedule of Sign Regulations |
Business, professional, public and administrative offices in B-3 District
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | 25 ft. | 100 sq. ft. | — | 15 ft. | 2 per frontage | Business, professional, public and administrative offices | — | Unlock | § 156.118 Schedule of Sign Regulations |
| Window Sign | 25 ft. | 100 sq. ft. | — | 15 ft. | 2 per frontage | Business, professional, public and administrative offices | — | Unlock | § 156.118 Schedule of Sign Regulations |
| Freestanding Sign | 25 ft. | 100 sq. ft. | — | 15 ft. | 2 per frontage | Business, professional, public and administrative offices | — | Unlock | § 156.118 Schedule of Sign Regulations |
| Projecting Sign | 25 ft. | 100 sq. ft. | — | 15 ft. | 2 per frontage | Business, professional, public and administrative offices | — | Unlock | § 156.118 Schedule of Sign Regulations |
| Awning Sign | 25 ft. | 100 sq. ft. | — | 15 ft. | 2 per frontage | Business, professional, public and administrative offices | — | Unlock | § 156.118 Schedule of Sign Regulations |
General and retail and commercial in B-1 and B-2 Districts
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | 20 ft. | 50 sq. ft. | — | 15 ft. | 2 per frontage | General and retail and commercial | — | Unlock | § 156.118 Schedule of Sign Regulations |
| Window Sign | 20 ft. | 50 sq. ft. | — | 15 ft. | 2 per frontage | General and retail and commercial | — | Unlock | § 156.118 Schedule of Sign Regulations |
| Freestanding Sign | 20 ft. | 50 sq. ft. | — | 15 ft. | 2 per frontage | General and retail and commercial | — | Unlock | § 156.118 Schedule of Sign Regulations |
| Projecting Sign | 20 ft. | 50 sq. ft. | — | 15 ft. | 2 per frontage | General and retail and commercial | — | Unlock | § 156.118 Schedule of Sign Regulations |
| Awning Sign | 20 ft. | 50 sq. ft. | — | 15 ft. | 2 per frontage | General and retail and commercial | — | Unlock | § 156.118 Schedule of Sign Regulations |
PermitPal covers all 12 zoning districts in Washington — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 12 zones for Washington — start freeProhibited Signs in Washington
- Moving signs and the animation of signs are prohibited.
- No permanent sign shall contain or consist of banners, pennants, ribbons, streamers, balloons or similar devices.
- In no case shall any part of a sign be placed in, over, or extend onto any public right-of-way.
- In no case shall any part of a sign be placed over, or extend above the roof of any structure.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Washington
- Address and name of occupant of premises for a residential structure, not to include designations as to employment or home occupation, and to be limited in size to two square feet.
- Signs required or authorized for a public purpose by any law, statute or ordinance, such signs to include traffic control devices provided that such signs contain no supplementary advertising.
- Signs which are in the nature of cornerstones, commemorative tables and historical signs provided that such signs are less than nine square feet in size and not illuminated.
- Signs clearly in the nature of decorations customarily associated with any national, local or religious holiday.
- Political signs or posters concerning candidates for elective office, public issues and similar matters to be decided by public election.
- Signs that indicate the sale, development, rental or lease of a particular structure or land area.
- Temporary window signs which promote special business sales, promotion or occasions.
- Signs, which are less than two square feet in size and mounted or attached flat or parallel onto a building face of an administrative, business or professional office building.
- A sign which advertises the sale of personal property, such as a garage, yard, porch or moving sale sign.
- Temporary construction signs which display the identification of the construction project.
- Signs promoting community events and programs which last for a time period of 14 days or less and which are sponsored by nonprofit, public, educational, religious and charitable organizations.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Washington
- The applicant shall submit a total signage plan for the proposed planned unit development as part of the final development plan.
Source: amlegal municipal code