Sign Regulations in Auburn, Washington
Auburn, Washington has specific sign regulations covering 23 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign (Building or Tenant Space), Freestanding Sign, Projecting Sign (In Lieu of Permitted Freestanding Sign). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: October 10, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Auburn, Washington
Sample Sign Requirements in Auburn
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign - Special Event Signage | — | 30 sq ft per sign | — |
| Temporary Sign - Banner | — | 32 sq ft per banner (for a single business on a site) | — |
| Directional Sign | 10 ft (15 ft where parking lots exceed 500 spaces) | 6 sq ft per sign face (10 sq ft where parking lots exceed 500 spaces) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
23
- Wall Sign (Building or Tenant Space)
- Freestanding Sign
- Projecting Sign (In Lieu of Permitted Freestanding Sign)
- Suspended Sign (Under Marquee/Canopy)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
10
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Auburn
Other Cities in Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Auburn 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 Auburn, 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 Auburn, regulated sign types include Wall Sign (Building or Tenant Space), Freestanding Sign, Projecting Sign (In Lieu of Permitted Freestanding Sign), Suspended Sign (Under Marquee/Canopy), 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 Auburn 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 Auburn are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Auburn has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Auburn, Washington Sign Rules at a Glance
Auburn, Washington regulates 23 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Real Estate Sign - Developed Commercial/Industrial Property “For Sale or Rent”s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 8 ft tall and 32 sq ft per side, with a If freestanding, must be located more than 15 ft from any abutting property line and public right-of-way line setback (Sec. ACC 18.56.025(D)). Most commercial signs in Auburn require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Auburn, Washington
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Auburn (10 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 12 | 42 inches | 32 sq ft per banner (for a single business on a site) | — |
| RC, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-MHP (Nonresidential Uses, Except as Noted) | 3 | 10 ft (highest point of sign structure) | No single sign exceeds 32 sq ft; cumulative area per entrance: 50 sq ft | — |
| R-F, R-NM (Nonresidential Uses) | 4 | 22 ft | 100 sq ft per face (minimum entitlement: one 32 sq ft sign for frontages < 64 ft) | — |
| C-1 (Nonresidential Uses) | 5 | 22 ft | 100 sq ft per face (minimum entitlement: one 32 sq ft sign for frontages < 64 ft) | — |
| RO (Nonresidential Uses) | 4 | 22 ft | 100 sq ft (minimum entitlement: one 16 sq ft sign; does not receive 25% increase) | — |
| P-1, I | 4 | 18 ft | Combined area of the two signs ≤ 120 sq ft; neither sign > 80 sq ft | — |
| L-F | 3 | 30 ft (20 ft on second or third frontage) | 125 sq ft per face (minimum entitlement: 32 sq ft for sites without 64 ft frontage) | — |
| M-1, M-2 | 4 | 30 ft (20 ft on second or third frontage) | 125 sq ft per face (minimum entitlement: 32 sq ft for sites without 64 ft frontage) | — |
| C-2 | 6 | 30 ft (20 ft on second or third frontage) | 200 sq ft (overall per sign), with a maximum of 125 sq ft per face (minimum entitlement: 32 sq ft for sites without 64 ft frontage) | — |
| DUC | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Auburn(sample of 3 of 10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Directional Sign | 10 ft (15 ft where parking lots exceed 500 spaces) | 6 sq ft per sign face (10 sq ft where parking lots exceed 500 spaces) | — | — | — | On-site, guiding to parking entrances/exits/service areas | — | Unlock | ACC 18.56.020(E); ACC 18.56.050(A) |
| Real Estate Sign - Residential “For Sale” / “Sold” | 7 ft | 5 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On the property for sale | — | Unlock | ACC 18.56.025(A) |
| Real Estate Sign - Residential Directional “Open House” (On-Premises) | — | 5 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 per street frontage (on-premises) | On the premises for sale | — | Unlock | ACC 18.56.025(B) |
| Real Estate Sign - Residential Directional “Open House” (Off-Premises) | — | 5 sq ft per side | — | — | Up to 3 off-premises signs (or 4 off-premises signs in entire development if multiple open houses) | Along periphery of public right-of-way; not on utility poles or traffic safety devices | — | Unlock | ACC 18.56.025(B) |
| Real Estate Sign - Undeveloped Commercial/Industrial Property “For Sale or Rent” | 8 ft | 32 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On property for sale or rent | — | Unlock | ACC 18.56.025(C) |
| Real Estate Sign - Developed Commercial/Industrial Property “For Sale or Rent” | 8 ft | 32 sq ft per side | — | If freestanding, must be located more than 15 ft from any abutting property line and public right-of-way line | 1 per street frontage | On property; if the building face is less than 10 ft from the building line, sign must be placed on the building or in a window | — | Unlock | ACC 18.56.025(D) |
| Real Estate Sign - Undeveloped Residential Property “For Sale” | 8 ft | 32 sq ft per side (if ≤ 5 sq ft, see setback exception) | — | If sign area > 5 sq ft, must be placed more than 30 ft from the abutting property line | 1 per street frontage | On property for sale | — | Unlock | ACC 18.56.025(E) |
| Real Estate Sign - Additional Temporary Off-Premises Signs (Special Permit) - Option 1 | 42 inches | 5 sq ft per side | — | — | Number determined by Director | Along periphery of public right-of-way; not attached to utility poles or traffic safety devices | — | Unlock | ACC 18.56.025(F) |
C-1 (Nonresidential Uses)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 22 ft | 100 sq ft per face (minimum entitlement: one 32 sq ft sign for frontages < 64 ft) | — | — | 1 per frontage; not to exceed 2 total | On-site | — | Unlock | ACC 18.56.040(B)(1)-(2)(a)-(d) |
| Wall Sign (Building or Tenant Space) | — | 100 sq ft (minimum entitlement: one 16 sq ft sign; does not receive 25% increase) | — | — | 1 per frontage | On building facade | — | Unlock | ACC 18.56.040(B)(1), (3)(a)-(c) |
| Suspended Sign (Under Marquee/Canopy) | — | 6 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 per entrance | Attached to and suspended from a marquee or canopy | — | Unlock | ACC 18.56.040(B)(4) |
| Projecting Sign (In Lieu of Permitted Freestanding Sign) | Subject to height requirement of the zoning district | — | — | — | 1 (in lieu of a freestanding sign) | Projecting from building wall | — | Unlock | ACC 18.56.040(B)(5)(b)-(d) |
| Changing Message Center Sign (CMC) | — | — | — | — | ≤ 1 per street frontage | Only on frontages along a collector, minor, or principal arterial street | — | Unlock | ACC 18.56.030(F)(1), (2)-(7); 18.56.030(D)(1)-(2) |
C-2
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 30 ft (20 ft on second or third frontage) | 200 sq ft (overall per sign), with a maximum of 125 sq ft per face (minimum entitlement: 32 sq ft for sites without 64 ft frontage) | — | — | Up to 2 per frontage; not to exceed 4 total | On-site | — | Unlock | ACC 18.56.040(E)(1)(a)-(e) |
| Wall Sign (Building or Tenant Space) | — | 125 sq ft | — | — | — | On building facade | — | Unlock | ACC 18.56.040(E)(2) |
| Projecting Sign (In Lieu of Permitted Freestanding Sign) | Subject to height requirement of the zoning district | — | — | — | 1 (in lieu of a freestanding sign) | Projecting from building wall | — | Unlock | ACC 18.56.040(E)(3)(a)-(c) |
| Suspended Sign (Under Marquee/Canopy) | Maximum placement height: 25 ft | 6 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 | Attached to and suspended from a marquee or canopy | — | Unlock | ACC 18.56.040(E)(4)(a)-(d) |
| Off-Premises Sign | 20 ft | — | — | — | 1 per business and 1 per parcel | Must be located in a zone that permits off-premises signs; within 750 ft of the business being advertised | — | Unlock | ACC 18.56.040(E)(5)(a)-(h) |
| Changing Message Center Sign (CMC) | — | — | — | — | ≤ 1 per street frontage | — | — | Unlock | ACC 18.56.030(F)(1), (2)-(7) |
PermitPal covers all 10 zoning districts in Auburn — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 10 zones for Auburn — start freeProhibited Signs in Auburn
- Swinging projecting signs are prohibited citywide.
- Portable signs are prohibited except where expressly permitted by the code (e.g., real estate signs and specific allowances in the C-2 zone and ACC 18.29.060(I)).
- Banners, pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners, rotating or blinking lights, strings of lights, and similar devices are prohibited except as allowed under the Temporary Signs provisions.
- Flashing signs are prohibited except as allowed under the Sign Lighting Provisions.
- Changing message center signs are prohibited except where expressly allowed in specified zones (I, P-1, C-1, C-2, M-1, M-2).
- Signs attached to or placed on a vehicle or trailer parked on private or public property that is not associated with the business advertised are prohibited (with exceptions for normal business vehicle identification, automobile-for-sale signs, and franchised buses/taxis).
- Private signs placed in or on a public right-of-way are prohibited except as expressly permitted by this chapter.
- Any sign that constitutes a traffic hazard or detriment to traffic safety, impairs driver or pedestrian vision, distracts from the visibility of traffic control devices, or misleads/confuses traffic is prohibited.
- Any sign or advertising structure or supporting structure that is torn, damaged, defaced, or destroyed is prohibited.
- Signs attached to poles installed by governmental agencies, utility poles, trees, rocks, or other natural features are prohibited.
- Signs attached to benches, garbage cans, or other street furniture located within the public right-of-way are prohibited.
- Rotating signs are prohibited.
- Billboards are prohibited.
- Any sign that does not structurally or materially conform to the city's adopted International Building Code is prohibited.
- Exterior or interior lighting systems intended to be viewed from a street that utilize any of the following are prohibited: exposed incandescent lamps over 25 watts; exposed incandescent lamps with metallic or external reflectors; revolving beacon lights; or continuous/sequential flashing operation (except as allowed for changing message center signs).
Exempt Signs in Auburn
- Flags of a government or noncommercial institutions such as schools (flagpoles are treated as structures).
- Official public notices and official court notices.
- Incidental signs (e.g., restrooms, hours of operation, entrances/exits, help wanted, property control/warning signs, plaques/tablets integrated into a building).
- Signs not visible from a public right-of-way.
- Lettering or symbols painted directly onto or magnetically flush-mounted onto an operable vehicle.
- Painting, repainting, cleaning, repairing, and other normal maintenance of signs, provided no structural or electrical changes are made.
- Religious symbols not attached to a permitted sign.
- Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings, dates of erection, and similar elements incorporated into building materials or the facade.
- Signs required by law; traffic or pedestrian control signs; signs indicating scenic or historic points of interest, erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of public duty.
- Sculptures, fountains, mosaics, and design features that do not incorporate advertising or identification.
- Temporary signs limited exclusively to noncommercial speech.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Auburn
- The planning, building and community director may require a master sign plan for development proposals to ensure a consistent and coordinated signage scheme; master signage plans must be recorded.
- Under an approved master sign plan, the director may authorize signs greater in area and height than otherwise allowed in the applicable zone when part of a coordinated signage scheme.
- Administrative deviations: The director may grant up to a 50% deviation from sign height and sign area when specific findings are met; applications must include a memorandum addressing criteria and a detailed site plan/elevations; a written decision is issued within seven business days after a complete submittal; decisions may be appealed to the hearing examiner (ACC 18.70.050).
- Variances: Requests exceeding the 50% deviation or not related to sign height or area must be processed as a variance in accordance with ACC 18.70.010.
Source: other municipal code