Sign Regulations in Umatilla, Oregon
Umatilla, Oregon has specific sign regulations covering 16 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Home Occupation Flush Sign, Community Service Sign, Flush or Freestanding Sign (Multi-Family Complex). Height restrictions apply. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 20, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Umatilla, Oregon
Sample Sign Requirements in Umatilla
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Occupation Flush Sign | — | 2 sq. ft. | — |
| Community Service Sign | — | As permitted in section 8-2A-10 | — |
| Flush or Freestanding Sign (Multi-Family Complex) | 8 ft. | 4-8 units: 12 sq. ft.; 9-15 units: 24 sq. ft.; 16-24 units: 32 sq. ft.; 25+ units: 48 sq. ft. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
16
- Home Occupation Flush Sign
- Community Service Sign
- Flush or Freestanding Sign (Multi-Family Complex)
- Flush or Freestanding Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Other Cities in Oregon
Frequently Asked Questions
In Umatilla, monument signs are limited to 8 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 Umatilla, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Umatilla, regulated sign types include Home Occupation Flush Sign, Community Service Sign, Flush or Freestanding Sign (Multi-Family Complex), Flush or Freestanding Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Umatilla vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Umatilla are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Umatilla has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Umatilla, Oregon Sign Rules at a Glance
Umatilla, Oregon regulates 16 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Principal Sign (Flush, Projecting, or Freestanding)s in the Commercial Zones, Industrial Zones zoning district are capped at 20 ft. (freestanding signs) tall and 100 sq. ft., with a See 8-2A-13C (minimum clearance, projection limits, not closer than 2 ft. to curb or traveled surface) setback (Sec. 8-2A-11A; 8-2A-12; 8-2A-13A; 8-2A-13C).
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Umatilla, Oregon
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Umatilla (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Zones | 3 | 8 ft. | As permitted in section 8-2A-10 | — |
| Community Services Overlay Zones | 1 | 8 ft. (top of freestanding sign) | 48 sq. ft. | — |
| Commercial Zones, Industrial Zones | 10 | 20 ft. (freestanding signs) | 100 sq. ft. | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | — | Residential: 2 sq. ft.; Shopping Center: 25% of building front; Commercial/Industrial: 50% of building front; Community Services: 48 sq. ft. | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Umatilla(sample of 3 of 4 zones)
Residential Zones
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Occupation Flush Sign | — | 2 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per home occupation | Flush mounted on home | — | Unlock | 8-2A-9A; 8-2A-13H |
| Community Service Sign | — | As permitted in section 8-2A-10 | — | — | 1 per premises | — | — | Unlock | 8-2A-9B; 8-2A-10 |
| Flush or Freestanding Sign (Multi-Family Complex) | 8 ft. | 4-8 units: 12 sq. ft.; 9-15 units: 24 sq. ft.; 16-24 units: 32 sq. ft.; 25+ units: 48 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per complex | On site | — | Unlock | 8-2A-9C |
Commercial Zones, Industrial Zones
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Principal Sign (Flush, Projecting, or Freestanding) | 20 ft. (freestanding signs) | 100 sq. ft. | — | See 8-2A-13C (minimum clearance, projection limits, not closer than 2 ft. to curb or traveled surface) | 1 principal sign per premises | On premises, major street frontage | — | Unlock | 8-2A-11A; 8-2A-12; 8-2A-13A; 8-2A-13C |
| Secondary Principal Sign (Freestanding) | 20 ft. | As allowed for principal sign | — | — | 1 secondary principal sign per premises where eligible | On premises where building is set back per 8-2A-13B | — | Unlock | 8-2A-11B; 8-2A-13B |
| Wall Sign (Commercial) | Not above roof eaves | 32 sq. ft. | — | — | — | On exterior building wall | — | Unlock | 8-2A-11C; 8-2A-13D |
| Freestanding or Projecting Sign (Commercial) | 20 ft. | 24 sq. ft. | — | Must comply with projection and minimum setback from curb/traveled surface per 8-2A-13C | — | On premises | — | Unlock | 8-2A-11C, D; 8-2A-13C |
| Roof Sign (Low Profile Building Only) | 12 ft. from sidewalk grade | — | — | — | — | On roof of low profile building | — | Unlock | 8-2A-13F |
| Secondary Marquee Sign | — | 8 sq. ft. | — | Minimum 7.5 ft. clearance | — | Under canopy or flush in alley; min. 7.5' clearance | — | Unlock | 8-2A-13G |
| Service Station Island Sign | 12 ft. (price sign on pole) | 4 sq. ft. per pump island; 32 sq. ft. for price sign on pole | — | — | One price sign per premise, 4 sq.ft. per pump island | At pump island or attached to pole | — | Unlock | 8-2A-13J |
| Secondary Street Frontage Flush Sign | — | Commercial/Industrial: 50% of building front max; Shopping Center: 25% of building front max | — | — | — | On secondary frontage wall | — | Unlock | 8-2A-13L; 8-2A-13D1b,c |
General Regulations For All Zones
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flush Sign | — | Residential: 2 sq. ft.; Shopping Center: 25% of building front; Commercial/Industrial: 50% of building front; Community Services: 48 sq. ft. | — | — | — | Face of building, marquee, canopy, or roof overhang, not projecting more than 12 inches. | — | Unlock | 8-2A-13D |
| Projecting Sign | — | — | — | Min 8' clearance from sidewalk/grade, more for greater projection; see 8-2A-13C | — | Projecting from building face | — | Unlock | 8-2A-13C |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Umatilla — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 4 zones for Umatilla — start freeProhibited Signs in Umatilla
- No sign shall bear or contain statements, words, or pictures of an obscene, indecent, or immoral character, such as will offend public morals or decency.
- No sign shall extend or be erected above the roof line of the building to which it is attached, except as specifically allowed.
- No sign shall be erected or maintained that creates confusion with or interferes with the effectiveness of traffic signs or signals.
- No sign shall be placed on, affixed to, or painted on a motor vehicle, vehicle, or trailer and placed on property for the primary purpose of providing a sign not otherwise permitted (exception for garage sale signs).
- No private sign may be placed on, painted on, or affixed to any utility pole, tree, or rock.
- No sign shall be located in a residential zone except for those specifically designated as allowed.
- No sign shall, by use of lights or illumination, create an unduly distracting or hazardous condition to motorists or pedestrians.
- Graffiti is prohibited as a form of sign.
- No sign may be in violation of any provision of the sign ordinance.
- No person may attach or cause to be attached an advertisement, bill, placard, poster, or sign upon real or personal public property without proper authority.
- No person may letter, mark, or paint any letters, marks, or signs on sidewalks, curbs, streets, or alleys, or post anything to prohibit or restrict parking except by city council resolution.
- No person may erect, maintain, or use, nor permit the erection, maintenance, or use of any sign not conforming to the provisions of the article.
Exempt Signs in Umatilla
- Official or traffic signs, including those identifying public buildings or uses or erected by a public officer performing an official duty.
- Directional signs erected by public authority.
- Warning signs erected to warn the public of a danger or to limit access (with specified size limits).
- Permanent building identification signs (with size limits and subject to location restrictions).
- Building or house numbers (with size limits).
- Name signs denoting the name of the owner or occupant (limited in size).
- Temporary political campaign signs (with size, placement, and timing restrictions).
- Temporary nonprofit signs for civic, charitable, or benevolent events (subject to same requirements as other temporary promotional signs).
- Flags of the United States, State of Oregon, foreign countries, United Nations, or civic/fraternal/veterans/charitable organizations.
- Christmas or seasonal decorations as customarily used.
- Street banners approved by the City Administrator advertising a public entertainment or event (with conditions).
- Signs located inside a building unless the sign violates watt capacity standards or is located in a residential zone.
- Benches with advertising thereon if approved by the Planning Commission.
- Nonilluminated directional and motor vehicle directional signs (with specified size/height limits).
- Temporary 'for sale', 'open house', or subdivision signs (with specified size and placement restrictions).
- Temporary signs used for promotional purposes (with timing and other restrictions).
- Permanent political, ideological, or religious signs that do not advertise a product or service for sale (subject to general size and location regulations).
- Murals mounted or painted on a building or structure that do not advertise a product or service for sale.
- Historic landmark signs erected by the City or the owner of a historic building or in accordance with an official historic designation.
- Community interest signs, temporary or permanent, identified by the City, promoting community events, public parks, or points of interest.
- Garage sale signs (one per premises, limited in size).
- Building directory signs (permitted in shopping centers and multi-tenant buildings).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Umatilla
- If a group of signs is to be erected on the same building at the same time, each sign requires a separate permit.
- Districts of special control may be established by the Planning Commission to allow for variance in sign sizes, types, heights, etc.; approval of such a district requires the submission of a plan showing all new sign arrangements and a petition of all property owners, which must be approved by the Planning Commission and then by City Council before taking effect.
- Variance requests (e.g., for departure from the regular requirements) must be reviewed and acted upon by the Planning Commission through a formal hearing and approval process.