# Sign Regulations in Federal Way, Washington

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Federal Way, Washington, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Federal Way, Washington (WA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/washington/federal-way
- **Data last verified:** 2026-02-02
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/FederalWay/html/FederalWay19/FederalWay19140.html#19.140)

## At a glance

Federal Way, Washington regulates 44 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Freeway Profile Sign (Additional Freestanding)s in the City center core (CC-C) zoning district are capped at If subject property lower than freeway: ≤ 25 ft above elevation of nearest driving lane at point nearest sign. If higher: ≤ 20 ft above average finished ground elevation at midpoint of sign base; may increase to ≤ 40 ft above average finished ground elevation to be visible above trees/obstructions, subject to director approval tall, Multi-tenant center identification: ≤ 600 sq ft total; ≤ 300 sq ft per face (≤ 50 ft from advertised activity) OR ≤ 300 sq ft total; ≤ 150 sq ft per face (> 50 ft from advertised activity; max any one dimension 20 ft). Single-tenant: ≤ 600 sq ft total; ≤ 300 sq ft per face (≤ 50 ft); ≤ 300 sq ft total; ≤ 150 sq ft per face (> 50 ft; max any one dimension 20 ft), and No one dimension of sign face may exceed 20 ft where specified wide, with a Near property line closest to I-5 setback (Sec. FWRC 19.140.140(4)). Most commercial signs in Federal Way require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (11 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | Monument: 6 ft. Freestanding (pedestal/pole): 12 ft. Wall signs: cannot project above roofline | Freestanding monument signs: total of all faces ≤ 64 sq ft; any one face ≤ 32 sq ft. Wall signs: ≤ 7% of exposed building face | — |
| Suburban estate zone (SE), Single-family residential zones (RS), Multifamily residential zone (RM) | 26 | 12 ft | Total of all faces ≤ 64 sq ft; any one face ≤ 32 sq ft | — |
| Professional office zone (PO) | 3 | 6 ft; may be 10 ft if set back ≥ 50 ft from any public right-of-way | ≤ 80 sq ft total of all faces per sign; ≤ 40 sq ft per face | — |
| Neighborhood business zone (BN) | 2 | ≤ 12 ft; minimum 5 ft | Multi-tenant: ≤ 128 sq ft total of all faces per sign; ≤ 64 sq ft per face. Other uses: ≤ 80 sq ft total of all faces per sign; ≤ 40 sq ft per face. Minimum: 50 sq ft total; ≤ 25 sq ft per face | — |
| Community business zone (BC) | 5 | ≤ 25 ft | ≤ 400 sq ft total of all faces; ≤ 200 sq ft per face | — |
| City center core (CC-C) | 7 | ≤ 25 ft | Multi-tenant center identification: ≤ 600 sq ft total; ≤ 300 sq ft per face (≤ 50 ft from advertised activity) OR ≤ 300 sq ft total; ≤ 150 sq ft per face (> 50 ft from advertised activity; max any one dimension 20 ft). Single-tenant: ≤ 600 sq ft total; ≤ 300 sq ft per face (≤ 50 ft); ≤ 300 sq ft total; ≤ 150 sq ft per face (> 50 ft; max any one dimension 20 ft) | — |
| City center frame (CC-F) | 5 | ≤ 25 ft | ≤ 400 sq ft total; ≤ 200 sq ft per face | — |
| Office park zones (OP, OP-1–OP-4) | 3 | 6 ft; may be 10 ft if set back ≥ 50 ft from any public right-of-way | ≤ 80 sq ft total of all faces per sign; ≤ 40 sq ft per face | — |
| Commercial enterprise zone (CE) | 6 | ≤ 25 ft | Multi-tenant center identification: ≤ 600 sq ft total; ≤ 300 sq ft per face (≤ 50 ft from advertised activity) OR ≤ 300 sq ft total; ≤ 150 sq ft per face (> 50 ft; max any one dimension 20 ft). Single-tenant: ≤ 600 sq ft total; ≤ 300 sq ft per face (≤ 50 ft); ≤ 300 sq ft total; ≤ 150 sq ft per face (> 50 ft; max any one dimension 20 ft) | — |
| Planned area (PA) | 2 | ≤ 12 ft; minimum 5 ft | Multi-tenant: ≤ 128 sq ft total; ≤ 64 sq ft per face. Other uses: ≤ 80 sq ft total; ≤ 40 sq ft per face. Minimum: 50 sq ft total; ≤ 25 sq ft per face | — |
| Corporate park zone (CP-1) | 2 | ≤ 12 ft; minimum 5 ft | Multi-tenant: ≤ 128 sq ft total; ≤ 64 sq ft per face. Other uses: ≤ 80 sq ft total; ≤ 40 sq ft per face. Minimum: 50 sq ft total; ≤ 25 sq ft per face | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 11 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Temporary Civic/Community/Farmers Market Event Signs (Temporary) | 5 ft (except wall-mounted banners which follow building-mounted height rule: cannot project above roofline) | Off-site signs (excluding wall-mounted banners): ≤ 6 sq ft per face. On-site signs and wall-mounted banners: ≤ 32 sq ft per face | — | — | Case-by-case | On site and off site | — | FWRC 19.140.070; Table 1 |
| Civic/Community/Farmers Market Identification Signs (Permanent) | Monument: 6 ft. Freestanding (pedestal/pole): 12 ft. Wall signs: cannot project above roofline | Freestanding monument signs: total of all faces ≤ 64 sq ft; any one face ≤ 32 sq ft. Wall signs: ≤ 7% of exposed building face | — | Residential zones: 5 ft min; Nonresidential: 3 ft min (FWRC 19.140.170(2)) | One per site | Nonresidential zones: on or off site. Residential zones: on site only | — | FWRC 19.140.070; Table 1 |
| City-Sponsored Civic/Community Event Banners (Street Pole / Over-the-Street) | Per Director of Public Works specifications | Per Director of Public Works specifications | — | — | Case-by-case | Public right-of-way | — | FWRC 19.140.070; Table 1 |
| Special Sale/Promotional Event Banners | Case-by-case | Case-by-case | — | — | Case-by-case | On site (nonresidential zoning districts) | — | FWRC 19.140.070; Table 1 |
| Grand Opening Signs | Case-by-case | Case-by-case | — | — | Case-by-case | On site (nonresidential zoning districts) | — | FWRC 19.140.070; Table 1 |
| Mural Display (Painted Mural) | Case-by-case | Case-by-case | — | — | Case-by-case | Nonresidential zoning districts | — | FWRC 19.140.070; Table 1 |
| Scoreboards (Athletic Fields) - Electronic Changeable Message Sign | Case-by-case | Case-by-case | — | — | Case-by-case | All zones (athletic fields) | — | FWRC 19.140.070; Table 1 |

### Suburban estate zone (SE), Single-family residential zones (RS), Multifamily residential zone (RM)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Institutional Uses) | Cannot project above roofline | ≤ 7% of exposed building face | — | 5 ft minimum from property line (residential zones) | One sign for each public entrance providing direct vehicle access | Subject property; minimum setback 5 ft | — | FWRC 19.140.120 Table 2 (Institutional) |
| Canopy Sign (Institutional Uses) | Cannot project above roofline | ≤ 7% of exposed building face | — | 5 ft minimum | One sign for each public entrance providing direct vehicle access | Subject property; minimum setback 5 ft | — | FWRC 19.140.120 Table 2 (Institutional) |
| Monument Sign (Institutional Uses) | 6 ft | Total of all faces ≤ 64 sq ft; any one face ≤ 32 sq ft | — | 5 ft minimum | One sign for each public entrance providing direct vehicle access | Subject property; minimum setback 5 ft | — | FWRC 19.140.120 Table 2 (Institutional) |
| Wall Sign (Recreation Uses) | Cannot project above roofline | ≤ 7% of exposed building face | — | 5 ft minimum | One sign for each street frontage providing direct vehicle access | Subject property; minimum setback 5 ft | — | FWRC 19.140.120 Table 2 (Recreation) |
| Canopy Sign (Recreation Uses) | Cannot project above roofline | ≤ 7% of exposed building face | — | 5 ft minimum | One sign for each street frontage providing direct vehicle access | Subject property; minimum setback 5 ft | — | FWRC 19.140.120 Table 2 (Recreation) |
| Monument Sign (Recreation Uses) | 6 ft | Total of all faces ≤ 64 sq ft; any one face ≤ 32 sq ft | — | 5 ft minimum | One sign for each street frontage providing direct vehicle access | Subject property; minimum setback 5 ft | — | FWRC 19.140.120 Table 2 (Recreation) |
| Wall Sign (Residential Dwelling Unit) | Cannot project above roofline | ≤ 2 sq ft | — | 5 ft minimum | One per dwelling unit | Subject property; minimum setback 5 ft | — | FWRC 19.140.120 Table 2 (Residential dwelling units) |
| Monument Sign (Residential Dwelling Unit) | 5 ft | ≤ 2 sq ft | — | 5 ft minimum | One per dwelling unit | Subject property; minimum setback 5 ft | — | FWRC 19.140.120 Table 2 (Residential dwelling units) |

### City center core (CC-C)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Pylon or Pole Sign (High Profile) - Option 1 | ≤ 25 ft | ≤ 400 sq ft total; ≤ 200 sq ft per face | — | ≥3 ft | 1–3 depending on frontage and separation | Frontage on public right-of-way | — | FWRC 19.140.140(1)(a)-(e) |
| Pedestal or Monument Sign (High Profile In Lieu of Pylon/Pole) - Option 1 | ≤ 12 ft if in lieu of pylon/pole; otherwise ≤ 5 ft | ≤ 128 sq ft total; ≤ 64 sq ft per face | — | ≥3 ft | Per high profile allowances; plus two center ID monument signs per entrance | Frontage and entrances | — | FWRC 19.140.140(1)(b)-(e) |
| Tenant Directory or Kiosk Sign (High Profile) - Option 1 | 6 ft (10 ft if ≥ 50 ft setback from ROW) | 15 sq ft per face | — | ≥3 ft | One per frontage | Frontage on public right-of-way | — | FWRC 19.140.140(1)(b)-(e) |
| Freeway Profile Sign (Additional Freestanding) | If subject property lower than freeway: ≤ 25 ft above elevation of nearest driving lane at point nearest sign. If higher: ≤ 20 ft above average finished ground elevation at midpoint of sign base; may increase to ≤ 40 ft above average finished ground elevation to be visible above trees/obstructions, subject to director approval | Multi-tenant center identification: ≤ 600 sq ft total; ≤ 300 sq ft per face (≤ 50 ft from advertised activity) OR ≤ 300 sq ft total; ≤ 150 sq ft per face (> 50 ft from advertised activity; max any one dimension 20 ft). Single-tenant: ≤ 600 sq ft total; ≤ 300 sq ft per face (≤ 50 ft); ≤ 300 sq ft total; ≤ 150 sq ft per face (> 50 ft; max any one dimension 20 ft) | No one dimension of sign face may exceed 20 ft where specified | Near property line closest to I-5 | Only one freeway profile sign per subject property | Must abut I-5 right-of-way; oriented toward and visible from I-5 (not off-ramps); located near property line closest to I-5 | — | FWRC 19.140.140(4) |
| Iconic Sign | — | — | — | — | Not specified; case-by-case approval | City center core (CC-C) only | — | FWRC 19.140.135(2)-(5) |
| Pedestal or Monument Sign (Medium Profile) - Option 2 | ≤ 12 ft; minimum 5 ft | Multi-tenant: ≤ 128 sq ft total; ≤ 64 sq ft per face. Other uses: ≤ 80 sq ft total; ≤ 40 sq ft per face. Minimum: 50 sq ft total; ≤ 25 sq ft per face | — | ≥3 ft | One per frontage; plus possible additional per frontage >300 lf with >1 vehicular access; overall max 3 | Frontage on public right-of-way | — | FWRC 19.140.140(2)(b)-(e) |
| Building-Mounted Signs (All types listed in FWRC 19.140.150(1)) | Cannot project above roofline | ≤ 7% exposed building face; ≤ 240 sq ft per sign; minimum 30 sq ft total allocation | — | — | Per table; plus under-canopy signs | On building faces | — | FWRC 19.140.150(1)-(4); 19.140.060(25) |

## Prohibited signs in Federal Way

- Abandoned or obsolete signs.
- Animated or moving signs.
- Banners, except as expressly allowed for temporary/special events (Table 1) and wall-mounted banners allowed under FWRC 19.140.150(1)(n).
- Billboards.
- Dilapidated, nonmaintained signs.
- Flashing signs, except electronic changeable message signs or changeable copy signs.
- Inflatable advertising devices, except as expressly allowed under FWRC 19.140.070.
- Mylar balloons.
- Signs that obstruct or interfere with free access to or egress from a required exit from a building or structure.
- Off-site signs except those expressly allowed in this title.
- Pennants, streamers, ribbons, spinners, whirlers, propellers, festoons, blinking lights, or similar items that attract attention through movement, reflection or illumination unless expressly allowed pursuant to Table 1.
- Portable signs except as expressly allowed in FWRC 19.140.060(29).
- Real estate signs providing information other than the name of the development and that the subject property is for sale, lease or rent (e.g., signs announcing amenities only).
- Signs in a public right-of-way except signs for government and city-sponsored civic or community events, and portable signs that comply with FWRC 19.140.060(29).
- Roof signs.
- Simulations of traffic signs (e.g., using the words “stop,” “look,” or “danger”) or any sign that could mislead or confuse pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
- Snipe signs.
- Vehicle signs attached to or placed on a parked vehicle or trailer used principally for advertising rather than transportation, excluding signs relating to the sale, lease, or rental of the vehicle or trailer and excluding business identification on vehicles operated during the normal course of business.

## Signs exempt from permit in Federal Way

- No sign permit is required for maintenance of a sign or for operation of a changeable copy sign and/or an electronic changeable message sign (FWRC 19.140.050).
- Address identification with numbers and letters not more than 10 inches in height.
- Balloons no greater than 18 inches in diameter and no more than five balloons per display with a tether no longer than 36 inches; no more than two displays per site.
- Barber poles.
- Construction signs: maximum two per project; each not to exceed 32 sq ft per sign face and 10 ft in height; not displayed prior to building permit issuance; removed prior to certificate of occupancy; plus one “Coming Soon” or “Open During Construction” sign per site entrance permitted.
- On-site directional signs: each ≤4 sq ft if indicating one direction or ≤8 sq ft if indicating multiple directions; ≤5 ft in height; no more than two per street frontage for multi-tenant complexes; single-tenant properties reviewed case-by-case; center/complex names/logos ≤20% of sign area.
- Flags of any nation, government, educational institution, or noncommercial organization, and decorative flags without corporate logos/advertising; all flags must be at least 5 sq ft unless an official national/state flag is smaller; maximum 40 sq ft.
- Fuel price signs: located on the property where fuel is sold; limited to one monument sign per street frontage; ≤5 ft in height; ≤20 sq ft per sign face.
- Gravestones or other memorial displays associated with cemeteries or mausoleums.
- Historical site plaques and signs integral to a historic building or site.
- Holiday decorations displayed in conjunction with recognized holidays.
- Incidental signs attached to a structure or building, with the total of all such signs per use/business not exceeding 2 sq ft.
- Instructional signs that do not exceed 6 sq ft per sign face.
- Integral design features (including religious symbols) that are an essential part of the architecture of a building and that do not represent a product, service, or registered trademark.
- Integral signs when no more than one per building.
- Interior signs located completely within a building or structure and not intended to be visible from outside the structure, exclusive of window signs.
- Menu boards not to exceed 32 sq ft per sign face and a maximum height of 5 ft (two permitted per site).
- Nameplates not to exceed 2 sq ft per sign face.
- Nonblinking small string lights used as decoration in association with landscaped areas and trees.
- Point of purchase display signs: limited to 2 sq ft in area and one sign per point of purchase; only instructional or price information; no special sale/promotion copy; permitted only in conjunction with an outdoor use/activity/storage authorized under Chapter 19.125 FWRC.
- Political signs with a maximum area of 6 sq ft per sign; must be removed no later than seven calendar days after a final election.
- Private advertising signs: limited to 8 sq ft per sign face and 5 ft in height; must be removed at the end of the event/use/condition; must include the address of the event or advertiser; no more than six such signs advertising an event.
- Private notice signs.
- Real estate signs: limited to one on-site sign per agent per street frontage (or public entrance if no street frontage); for dwelling units, ≤6 sq ft per sign face; for other uses/developments, ≤32 sq ft per sign face; remove when sale closes or tenant takes possession.
- Temporary business signs for licensed temporary businesses (FWRC 12.25.010): each business allowed two signs of 16 sq ft per sign face, or one sign of 32 sq ft per face if only one is used.
- Under-canopy signs not exceeding the width of the canopy and 8 sq ft in size, with a minimum separation of 20 linear feet between such signs.
- Warning signs.
- Window signs not exceeding 25% of the window area, limited to advertising products/goods/services for sale on site, business identification, hours of operation, address, and emergency information.
- Signs on sports field fences not exceeding 32 sq ft per sign, securely attached to the fence, not protruding above the fence line, and oriented to the interior of the field.
- Portable signs in the public right-of-way subject to all of the following: not affixed to the ground; no more than two signs per event per person (except 10 open house signs allowed); each ≤6 sq ft per face and ≤36 inches in height; allowed only between 9:00 a.m. and sunset and removed daily; not attached to other objects; not located on traveled roadway, parking lanes, sidewalks, or bicycle lanes or in a manner that interferes with views or travel; not placed in street medians or street-side planter strips; must include contact information.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Permits: A sign permit is required for all signs unless expressly exempt under FWRC 19.140.050 or 19.140.060. Applications must include owner/user/property info, location, design/dimensions, placement details, and other required information; permits expire within one year (or six months if no work initiated); final inspection is required (FWRC 19.140.040).
- Registration: No person may maintain a sign without a current sign registration or sign inventory sticker unless the sign is exempt; exempt signs are also exempt from registration, but must still be reviewed for conformance (FWRC 19.140.100).
- Temporary and special signs: A permit is required and issuance depends on compliance with Table 1 allowances (FWRC 19.140.070).
- Combined sign package: Adjacent property owners may propose a combined sign package; the city reviews and decides using Process III; allowable sign area/type/height/number determined as if the applicants were one multi-tenant complex (FWRC 19.140.140(5)).
- Variance: Variances from any provision of the sign code are reviewed and decided using Process IV; approval requires meeting specific hardship and compatibility criteria; the city may impose conditions and may require a performance bond (FWRC 19.140.180).
- Iconic sign permit: Special permit pathway (no variances allowed) with specific criteria; applies to nonresidential uses in the City Center Core (CC-C); permit runs with the land; conditions and/or a performance bond may be required (FWRC 19.140.135).
- Government facility signs: Must be approved by the city (street and traffic signs are excluded from these requirements) (FWRC 19.140.080).
- Comprehensive/Master sign plan: The comprehensive design plan section is reserved; there is no current comprehensive/master sign plan requirement in this chapter (FWRC 19.140.200).

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 11 zoning districts in Federal Way — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Federal+Way+WA&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-federal-way

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