Sign Regulations in Ellensburg, Washington
Ellensburg, Washington has specific sign regulations covering 17 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, For Sale or Rent Sign, Electronic 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 Ellensburg, Washington
Sample Sign Requirements in Ellensburg
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-Premises Sign | 35 ft (except wall signs may extend to top of a building wall) | 300 sq ft per sign; 600 sq ft for multifaced signs | — |
| Temporary Banner and Poster | Must conform to height requirements for the zone | Aggregate 250 sq ft per business address (commercial/industrial zones) | — |
| Temporary Decoration | Must conform to height requirements for the zone | Aggregate 250 sq ft per business address (commercial/industrial zones) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
17
- Freestanding Sign
- For Sale or Rent Sign
- Electronic Sign
- On-Premises Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
8
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Ellensburg
Other Cities in Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg, 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 Ellensburg, regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, For Sale or Rent Sign, Electronic Sign, On-Premises 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 Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Ellensburg has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Ellensburg, Washington Sign Rules at a Glance
Ellensburg, Washington regulates 17 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Sidewalk Signs in the C-C, C-C II zoning district are capped at 3 ft tall, 2 ft width x 3 ft height per sign face, and 2 ft wide (Sec. ECC 3.12.340(G) (C-C and C-C II section), ECC 3.12.060). Most commercial signs in Ellensburg require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Ellensburg, Washington
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Ellensburg (8 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | 35 ft (except wall signs may extend to top of a building wall) | 300 sq ft per sign; 600 sq ft for multifaced signs | — |
| C-C, C-C II | 4 | 35 ft (except wall signs may extend to top of building wall) | 300 sq ft per sign, 600 sq ft for multifaced | — |
| C-H | 4 | 100 ft | 16 sq ft per sign | — |
| C-N | 2 | — | 32 sq ft per face, 64 sq ft total sign area | — |
| I-L, I-H | 2 | — | 32 sq ft per face, 64 sq ft total sign area | — |
| R-H, R-L, R-M, R-O, R-S, MHP | 5 | — | 48 sq ft | — |
| R-O (Office/Professional Use) | 1 | — | 25 sq ft per property | — |
| Public Reserve Zones, Public Rights-of-Way | 2 | 20 ft min. clearance above right-of-way | 64 sq ft for all faces of electronic display | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Ellensburg(sample of 3 of 8 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-Premises Sign | 35 ft (except wall signs may extend to top of a building wall) | 300 sq ft per sign; 600 sq ft for multifaced signs | — | — | — | On-premises | — | Unlock | ECC 3.12.240(A), (C); 3.12.090; 3.12.140 |
| Freestanding Sign | — | — | — | — | One per street frontage, max two (with exceptions). | On-premises | — | Unlock | ECC 3.12.300(E), (F) |
| Temporary Banner and Poster | Must conform to height requirements for the zone | Aggregate 250 sq ft per business address (commercial/industrial zones) | — | — | No more than 7 displayed at any one time. | Private property only | — | Unlock | ECC 3.12.340(C) |
| Temporary Decoration | Must conform to height requirements for the zone | Aggregate 250 sq ft per business address (commercial/industrial zones) | — | — | — | Private property only | — | Unlock | ECC 3.12.340(D) |
| Construction Sign | — | 48 sq ft in R-S, R-L, R-M, R-O; in all other zones, conform to sign area for sign type used | — | — | One per site | On property with active construction | — | Unlock | ECC 3.12.340(B) |
| For Sale or Rent Sign | — | 8 sq ft in R-S, R-L, R-M, R-O, MHP, and C-N; 48 sq ft in C-C, C-C II, C-H, I-L, I-H | — | — | — | On property for sale/rent | — | Unlock | ECC 3.12.340(E) |
| Election Sign | — | 10 sq ft in R-S, R-L, R-M, R-O, MHP; all other zones use sign area of underlying sign type | — | — | — | Private property of consenting owner | — | Unlock | ECC 3.12.340(A) |
C-C, C-C II
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Projecting Sign | — | 25 sq ft per face; 50 sq ft total for multifaced signs | — | — | One per business (one per street frontage if on two streets) | On building; may project over right-of-way up to 6 ft | — | Unlock | ECC 3.12.220(A)-(D), ECC 3.12.200 |
| Sidewalk Sign | 3 ft | 2 ft width x 3 ft height per sign face | 2 ft | — | One per business (by business license) | On sidewalk/outside business | — | Unlock | ECC 3.12.340(G) (C-C and C-C II section), ECC 3.12.060 |
| On-Premises Sign | 35 ft (except wall signs may extend to top of building wall) | 300 sq ft per sign, 600 sq ft for multifaced | — | — | — | On the premises | — | Unlock | ECC 3.12.200, 3.12.240(A)-(C) |
| Freestanding Sign | — | — | — | — | One per street frontage, max two | On the premises | — | Unlock | ECC 3.12.300(E)-(F), ECC 3.12.200 |
R-H, R-L, R-M, R-O, R-S, MHP
| 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 (Residential Apartment Use) | — | 8 sq ft per property | — | — | — | On building | — | Unlock | ECC 3.12.300(B) |
| Wall Sign (Single Family/Home Occupation) | — | 3 sq ft per property | — | — | — | On building | — | Unlock | ECC 3.12.300(D) |
| Construction Sign | — | 48 sq ft | — | — | One per site | On property under active construction | — | Unlock | ECC 3.12.340(B) |
| For Sale or Rent Sign | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | — | On property for sale/rent | — | Unlock | ECC 3.12.340(E) |
| Election Sign | — | 10 sq ft | — | — | — | Private property of consenting owner | — | Unlock | ECC 3.12.340(A) |
PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Ellensburg. Run a code check for your exact address to get the zone that applies to your property and its full sign requirements — illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
Run a code check for your exact address — freeProhibited Signs in Ellensburg
- No sign or sign structure shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of its surface or supports will interfere with the free use of any fire escape, exit or standpipe.
- No sign shall obstruct any openings to such an extent that light or ventilation is reduced to a point below that required by any other city code.
- Signs shall be located to provide clearance from overhead electrical conductors as provided by codes.
- All off-premises signs are prohibited.
- No electric sign shall revolve or be animated.
- No electric sign shall flash on and off or alternate between varying light intensities.
- The light emitted from any electrical sign or any light source used to illuminate the face of a sign shall not adversely affect nearby premises or the safe vision of operators of vehicles.
- Roof signs or other building-mounted signs which project above the roof line of the building on which the sign is mounted shall be prohibited in all zones except the C-H zone.
- Individual signs shall not be combined to create one large sign that is larger than the allowable area for any individual sign.
- All signs placed on vehicles, trailers, or portable supports which are parked or located for the primary purpose of displaying said signs are prohibited. This does not apply to signs or lettering on buses, taxis, or vehicles operating during the normal course of business.
- It is unlawful to erect, construct, enlarge, alter or continue to use any sign in violation of the provisions of this chapter.
Exempt Signs in Ellensburg
- Signs and public notices required or directed by law including traffic control signs.
- Exterior building signs not visible from streets or other public rights-of-way.
- Interior building signs. (However, electrical interior signs must meet electrical sign requirements.)
- Historic or memorial plaques, tablets, or inscriptions attached flat to a building, not illuminated, and not exceeding three square feet in area.
- Signs painted or mounted on delivery vehicles or other operable commercial vehicles primarily used for transportation and commerce.
- Signs required under the Washington State Department of Transportation "Motorist Information Sign Program" if minimum requirements for program participation are met and city approval is obtained.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Ellensburg
- All activity to construct, erect, replace, or otherwise change any sign requires a valid sign permit issued by the city.
- A permit application must include information such as scaled drawings, materials, colors, type of lettering or symbols, illumination method, and proposed mounting location (for certain zones).
- All signs erected in the C-C and C-C II zones must undergo a design review process prior to permit issuance.
- Temporary construction signs must obtain a sign permit specifying display duration.
- Whenever a sign projects over or rests upon a public right-of-way, the owner must file a hold-harmless agreement and proof of liability insurance with the city.
Source: municode municipal code