Sign Regulations in Anacortes, Washington
Anacortes, Washington has specific sign regulations covering 24 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Projecting 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: June 9, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Anacortes, Washington
Sample Sign Requirements in Anacortes
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign - Type 1 (Yard Sign) | 6 feet | 6 sq ft per sign | — |
| Temporary Sign - Type 2 (Banner) | 6 feet (freestanding) | 18 sq ft (freestanding); building-mounted per tenant wall sign standards | — |
| Temporary Sign - Type 3 (Large Sign) | 8 feet | 24 sq ft per face | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for AnacortesFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
24
- Wall Sign
- Projecting Sign
- Window Sign
- Temporary Sign - Type 1 (Yard Sign)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Anacortes
Other Cities in Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Anacortes vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Anacortes, 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 Anacortes, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Projecting Sign, Window Sign, Temporary Sign - Type 1 (Yard 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 Anacortes 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 Anacortes are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Anacortes has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
AI-Powered Research
Ready to Research Anacortes Sign Permits?
Stop spending hours searching through municipal codes. Get instant access to Anacortes, Washington sign regulations with PermitPal's AI-powered platform.
No credit card required · Get results in seconds
Anacortes, Washington Sign Rules at a Glance
Anacortes, Washington regulates 24 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign – Monument; Pylon; Post and Arms in the Commercial (C) zoning district are capped at 5–10 feet (monument); 8 feet (pylon); 5 feet (post and arm) tall and 16–70 sq ft depending on street frontage (see Table 19.67.080(B)(4)), with a 5 ft min setback (Sec. AMC 19.67.080(A/B/C/D), Table 19.67.080(B)(4)). Most commercial signs in Anacortes require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Anacortes, Washington
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Anacortes (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 9 | 13 feet | 24 sq ft per face | — |
| Residential Low Density 1 (R1), Residential Low Density 2 (R2), Residential Low Density 2A (R2A), Residential Medium Density 3 (R3), Residential Medium Density 3A (R3A), Old Town (OT), Residential High Density 4 (R4), Residential High Density 4A (R4A) | 5 | 6 feet | 18 sq ft | — |
| Central Business District (CBD) | 4 | Cannot extend above building parapet, soffit, or eave line | 30% of window area | — |
| Commercial (C) | 5 | 5–10 feet (monument); 8 feet (pylon); 5 feet (post and arm) | 30% of window area | — |
| Marine Mixed-Use (MMU), Commercial Marine (CM), Commercial Marine 2 (CM2), Public Use (P) | 5 | 5–10 ft (monument); 8 ft (pylon; up to 30 ft LM1/HM SR20); 5 ft (post/arm) | 30% of window area | — |
| Light Manufacturing (LM), Light Manufacturing 1 (LM1), Manufacturing and Shipping (MS), Heavy Manufacturing (HM), Industrial (I), Aeronautical Zone (AZ) | 4 | Pole: 30 ft; Monument: 5–10 ft; Pylon: 8–30 ft; Post/arm: 5 ft | 30% of window area | — |
| Medical Overlay (MED-O), Live/Work Overlay (LW-O), Mixed-Use Business Overlay (MUB-O) | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Anacortes(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign - Type 1 (Yard Sign) | 6 feet | 6 sq ft per sign | — | — | See above (quantity limits) or unlimited during election periods | Any zone; allowed for developed properties and undeveloped/vacant properties (with restrictions during election periods) | — | Unlock | AMC 19.67.110(H)(1), (F), (C) |
| Temporary Sign - Type 2 (Banner) | 6 feet (freestanding) | 18 sq ft (freestanding); building-mounted per tenant wall sign standards | — | — | One sign per property | Mixed-use and industrial zones, public agency property, or nonprofit 501(c)(3) property | — | Unlock | AMC 19.67.110(H)(2) |
| Temporary Sign - Type 3 (Large Sign) | 8 feet | 24 sq ft per face | — | — | One per property | Any zone | — | Unlock | AMC 19.67.110(H)(3) |
| Temporary Sign - Type 4 (A-board/Standing Sign) | 4 feet (displayed) | 6 sq ft per face | — | — | As above | Mixed-use, industrial, and overlay zones; must be within 15 feet of customer entrance (commercial); on public sidewalk/pathway requires 4 ft unobstructed width | — | Unlock | AMC 19.67.110(H)(4) |
| Temporary Sign - Type 5 (Feather Sign) | 13 feet | — | — | — | See above | Mixed-use or industrial zone only | — | Unlock | AMC 19.67.110(H)(5) |
| Noncommercial Speech Sign | Per monument sign: 5–10 feet depending on frontage | Varies by property frontage (16–70 sq ft; up to 100 sq ft for banner signs) | — | — | Same as monument sign: one per frontage, subject to frontage length | All zones, on private property | — | Unlock | AMC 19.67.100, 19.67.080(B)(4) |
| Real Estate Sign - Residential | On-site: 6 feet; Off-site: 6 feet | 6 sq ft on-site; 2 sq ft off-site | — | — | One per frontage (on-site); one per intersection (off-site) | On or near subject property, or at nearest arterial intersection; residential zones only | — | Unlock | AMC 19.67.110(G)(3) |
| Real Estate Sign - Commercial/Industrial | 8 feet (SR20), 6 feet elsewhere | 16 sq ft (commercial/industrial); 8 ft height (SR20), 6 ft elsewhere | — | — | One per frontage | On or near subject property, or at nearest arterial intersection; commercial/industrial zones only | — | Unlock | AMC 19.67.110(G)(4) |
Residential Low Density 1 (R1), Residential Low Density 2 (R2), Residential Low Density 2A (R2A), Residential Medium Density 3 (R3), Residential Medium Density 3A (R3A), Old Town (OT), Residential High Density 4 (R4), Residential High Density 4A (R4A)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Sign (Single-Family Subdivision Entrance, Multifamily Complex Entrance) | 5 feet | 18 sq ft | — | — | 1 per entrance | At or along access streets; not necessarily at entrance | — | Unlock | AMC 19.67.070, Table 19.67.070 |
| Monument Sign (Other Nonresidential Use >10,000 sf GFA) | 5 feet | 18 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot frontage | At or along access streets; not necessarily at entrance | — | Unlock | AMC 19.67.070, Table 19.67.070 |
| Pylon or Post and Arm Sign (Other Nonresidential Use) | 6 feet | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 per frontage | Property frontage | — | Unlock | AMC 19.67.070 note 3b |
| Wall Sign or Window Sign (Home Occupation) | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per home occupation | On dwelling unit | — | Unlock | AMC 19.67.070 note 2 |
| Wall Sign (Other Nonresidential Use) | — | — | — | — | 1 per permitted use | At property. | — | Unlock | AMC 19.67.070 |
Commercial (C)
| 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 | Cannot extend above parapet/soffit/eave | Varies (see Table 19.67.090(A)(3)) | 2/3 facade width max | — | 1 per tenant facade | Building facade facing street, customer parking lot, or alley | — | Unlock | AMC 19.67.060(B); 19.67.090(A) |
| Projecting Sign | — | — | — | — | 1 per facade | Min 8 ft above sidewalk; not over windows/architectural features | — | Unlock | AMC 19.67.060(B); 19.67.090(B) |
| Marquee/Awning Sign; Under-Canopy Sign | — | See awning/canopy width; max 2/3 or 20 ft; text size per awning/canopy dimensions | — | — | See above | Upper edge, front, or below marquee/awning/canopy; or under-canopy | — | Unlock | AMC 19.67.060(B); 19.67.090(C/D) |
| Freestanding Sign – Monument; Pylon; Post and Arm | 5–10 feet (monument); 8 feet (pylon); 5 feet (post and arm) | 16–70 sq ft depending on street frontage (see Table 19.67.080(B)(4)) | — | 5 ft min | 1 per frontage (except for greater lengths per code) | Min 5 ft setback from street; not allowed on block frontages designated 'storefront'. | — | Unlock | AMC 19.67.080(A/B/C/D), Table 19.67.080(B)(4) |
| Window Sign | — | 30% of window area | — | — | — | Window/door facing public right-of-way/parking lot | — | Unlock | AMC 19.67.060(B); 19.67.090(E) |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Anacortes — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 7 zones for Anacortes — start freeProhibited Signs in Anacortes
- No sign may be placed on the roof of any building.
- No portable or temporary sign may be placed on the front or face of a building or on any premises except as authorized in the temporary sign standards.
- Signs are prohibited within or projecting over a city right-of-way or within five feet of a city right-of-way, unless otherwise noted in this chapter.
- Signs must not be attached to any public utility pole, structure or street light, tree, fence, fire hydrant, bridge, curb, sidewalk, park bench, statue, memorial, or other location on public property, except those signs approved as part of a special event permit on city property or banner signs permitted by the city on light poles in certain zones within the city.
- No commercial, advertising, or business sign may be located on premises other than the business to which it refers.
- Any sign which, by reason of its location, will obstruct the view of any authorized traffic sign, signal, or other traffic control device or which by reason of shape, color, or position interferes with or could be confused with any authorized traffic signal or device is prohibited.
- Any sign which is placed so as to prevent or inhibit free ingress to or egress from any door, window, or any exit way required by the building and/or fire code is prohibited.
- Placement on private property for more than 10 days in any 90-day period of any truck, boat, trailer or other vehicle or vehicle part with affixed commercial advertising message not pertaining to the legally permitted use on the property is prohibited.
- Any sign or lighting device with intermittent, flashing, rotating, blinking or strobe light illumination is prohibited.
- Any sign with an exposed light source, except for neon incorporated into the design of the sign, is prohibited.
- Any sign which emits sound, odor, smoke, laser or hologram lights, or other visible matter (including motion picture projection) is prohibited.
- Any sign animated by any means including fixed aerial displays, balloons, pennants, spinners, strings of flags, streamers, tubes, or other air- or mechanically-moved devices is prohibited (except those exempted or permitted as temporary signs).
- Any sign in which the sign body or any portion rotates, moves up/down, or has action involving a change in position by mechanical or any other means is prohibited (except those exempted or permitted as temporary signs).
- Digital and other changeable copy signs are generally prohibited except as expressly provided for certain freestanding signs (monument and pole, per standards).
- Mannequins holding a sign or displaying advertising, whether stationary or animated, are prohibited except within a building as part of a window or interior display.
- All electric signs must comply with electrical code requirements and require permit and inspection.
- Signs must not display commercial speech off premises.
- Any violation of sign regulations may result in removal of the sign at the owner's expense and/or penalties under Title 20.
- Signs may not be permanently attached to the ground, building, or other structures except as necessary to secure sign against theft, wind, or safety issues (applies to temporary signs).
- No sign may block ingress to/egress from buildings or create a safety hazard by impeding travel on sidewalks, bike and vehicle lanes, and trails.
Exempt Signs in Anacortes
- Traffic signs, signals, wayfinding signs, and other traffic control devices erected by the city or other public authority.
- Public notices pertaining to public health or safety issues, or for notification of legal or legislative action erected by the city or other public authority.
- Permanent commemorative or memorial plaques and building nameplates less than six square feet, cornerstones, and building identification markings carved into building materials integral to the structure.
- Signs within buildings, provided they are not legible from a distance of more than three feet beyond the building.
- Incidental signs intended for public information or convenience and consisting of no more than two square feet per sign face (e.g., restroom signs, hours of operation, address numbers, help wanted, credit card signs).
- The American flag, state of Washington flag, and other political or special purpose flags not intended to contribute to a commercial advertising display.
- Wall graphics of an artistic nature that do not conform to the definition of 'sign.'
- Noncommercial speech signs meeting the noncommercial sign section standards.
- Signs not readable from public or private right-of-way or waterway.
- Signs intended for general public information, such as bulletin board/kiosk, that accommodate changeable copy at pedestrian scale and are not for commercial advertising purposes.
- Holiday and community special event decorations that do not display a commercial message.
- Signs on athletic fields and scoreboards intended for on-premises viewing.
- Signs located in public parks, public trails, and designated public open space (including those open to the public, whether owned and maintained by the city or other entity).
- Signs located on other city-owned property not specifically addressed in the sign chapter.
- Point-of-purchase advertising displays such as product dispensers.
- Any sign on a vehicle, unless such vehicle is regularly parked in any prominently visible location from the public right-of-way or other public space for the primary purpose of attracting attention to the sign.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Anacortes
- The sign code does not require an overall 'master sign plan' for a property by default or for every project, but the quantity, type, and placement of signs must comply with zone-specific and site-specific standards, which may require sign plans as part of some development review processes.
- For subdivisions or multifamily complexes in residential zones, monument signs may be provided per entrance and are likely shown on an overall site/landscape plan.
- Sign applications are administrative/ministerial permits (Type 1 review per 19.20.030-1) and require submittal of information on sign location, type, size, and illumination. Site development or building permit applications for new construction or major remodels are expected to demonstrate compliance with all sign standards.
- Projects with multiple tenants/buildings must allocate sign area and type among tenants as specified in the regulations and may be required to provide a coordinated sign program as a condition of approval.
- Sign area, location, and type are subject to review by the Director as part of required permits; permits must demonstrate compliance with all applicable sign code provisions.
Source: other municipal code