Sign Regulations in Cheney, Washington
Cheney, Washington has specific sign regulations covering 18 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Projecting Sign, Suspended Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 5, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Cheney, Washington
Sample Sign Requirements in Cheney
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (One and Two-Family Residential) | — | 4.5 square feet | — |
| Wall Sign (Three or More Unit Residential & Nonresidential) | — | 40 square feet per sign | — |
| Ground Sign (Permanent Development/Subdivision) | 12 feet | 50 square feet | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
18
- Wall Sign
- Projecting Sign
- Suspended Sign
- Portable Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Cheney
Other Cities in Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Cheney 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 Cheney, 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 Cheney, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Projecting Sign, Suspended Sign, Portable 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 Cheney 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 Cheney are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Cheney has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Cheney, Washington Sign Rules at a Glance
Cheney, Washington regulates 18 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Electronic Message Center (Option: Reader Board on Monument/Pole)s in the C-1 zoning district are capped at No higher than lowest part of roof tall and 5 square feet, with a At least 10 feet from back of sidewalk (for option) setback (Sec. 21.54.040(B)(2)(f)). Most commercial signs in Cheney require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Cheney, Washington
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Cheney (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Zone (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-3H, SR-2, CALR) | 4 | 12 feet | 50 square feet | — |
| C-2, BP, I-1 | 11 | 35 feet | 400 square feet (per business, per event) | — |
| C-1 | 10 | No higher than lowest portion of building roof | 400 square feet (per business, per event) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | 400 square feet per business per event | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Cheney(sample of 3 of 4 zones)
Residential Zone (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-3H, SR-2, CALR)
| 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 (One and Two-Family Residential) | — | 4.5 square feet | — | — | Single | On the property related to the use | — | Unlock | 21.54.035(b)(1) |
| Wall Sign (Three or More Unit Residential & Nonresidential) | — | 40 square feet per sign | — | — | Multiple; aggregate area restriction | On the property related to the use | — | Unlock | 21.54.035(b)(2) |
| Ground Sign (Permanent Development/Subdivision) | 12 feet | 50 square feet | — | — | One per entrance | Per entrance to subdivision or development | — | Unlock | 21.54.035(b)(3) |
| Ground Sign (Temporary Development/Subdivision) | — | 32 square feet | — | — | One per project | Project location | — | Unlock | 21.54.035(b)(4) |
C-2, BP, I-1
| 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 | 35 feet | — | — | — | — | On property (not extending over property lines unless air rights easement granted) | — | Unlock | 21.54.040(A)(2) |
| Wall Sign | 35 feet | — | — | — | — | On property (not extending over property lines without easement) | — | Unlock | 21.54.040(A)(1)-(2) |
| Projecting Sign | 35 feet | — | — | — | — | On property | — | Unlock | 21.54.040(A)(1)-(2) |
| Suspended Sign | 35 feet | — | — | — | — | On property | — | Unlock | 21.54.040(A)(1)-(2) |
| Portable Sign | 35 feet | — | — | — | — | On property | — | Unlock | 21.54.040(A)(1)-(2) |
| Temporary Sign | — | 400 square feet (per business, per event) | — | — | — | On property | — | Unlock | 21.54.040(A)(1)-(2); 21.54.090 |
| Electronic Message Center | 35 feet | 20% of sign area (except time/temp) | — | — | — | Integral to a permanent sign, nonresidential only | — | Unlock | 21.54.040(A)(3) |
| Off-Premises/Billboard Sign | 35 feet | 64 square feet | — | — | — | 600 feet apart, not within 300 feet of residential | — | Unlock | 21.54.040(A)(2)(f)-(g) |
C-1
| 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 | No higher than lowest portion of building roof | — | — | — | — | On property (not over property lines without easement) | — | Unlock | 21.54.040(B)(2)(a)-(d) |
| Projecting Sign | No higher than lowest portion of building roof | — | — | — | — | On property | — | Unlock | 21.54.040(B)(1)-(2) |
| Suspended Sign | No higher than lowest portion of building roof | — | — | — | — | On property | — | Unlock | 21.54.040(B)(1)-(2) |
| Monument Sign | No higher than lowest portion of building roof | — | — | — | — | On property | — | Unlock | 21.54.040(B)(1)-(2) |
| Portable Sign | No higher than lowest portion of building roof | — | — | — | — | On property | — | Unlock | 21.54.040(B)(1)-(2) |
| Temporary Sign | — | 400 square feet (per business, per event) | — | — | — | On property | — | Unlock | 21.54.040(B)(1)-(2); 21.54.090 |
| Incidental Sign | No higher than lowest portion of building roof | — | — | — | — | On property | — | Unlock | 21.54.040(B)(1)-(2) |
| Electronic Message Center (Option: Reader Board on Monument/Pole) | No higher than lowest part of roof | 5 square feet | — | At least 10 feet from back of sidewalk (for option) | — | On monument or pole sign on First Street only, with site criteria | — | Unlock | 21.54.040(B)(2)(f) |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Cheney — 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 Cheney — start freeProhibited Signs in Cheney
- Signs which by coloring, shape, wording or location resemble or conflict with traffic control signs or devices as determined by the code enforcement officer.
- Signs which create a safety hazard for pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
- Signs attached to or placed on a vehicle or trailer parked on private property, except for identification on vehicles operating during the normal course of business. Franchised buses and taxis are exempt.
- All flashing signs, except changing message boards.
- Any sign affixed to or painted on trees, rocks, other natural features or utility poles.
- Roof signs.
- Portable reader board signs; existing portable signs must be removed within five years of the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter.
- Strobe lights and rotating signs.
- Animated signs.
- Exposed angle iron and guy wires.
- Billboards.
Exempt Signs in Cheney
- Signs on bus benches.
- Political signs posted for up to 90 days.
- One non-electric bulletin board for each public, charitable or religious organization not exceeding 40 square feet.
- Temporary banners for up to 30 days, provided they do not interfere with nearby properties.
- Contractor, architect, surveyor or engineer sign during construction of the property upon which located, provided they do not exceed 48 square feet.
- Wall murals which are primarily decorative, rather than commercial in nature.
Source: municode municipal code