# Sign Regulations in Lake Stevens, Washington

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Lake Stevens, Washington (WA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/washington/lake-stevens
- **Data last verified:** 2025-11-06
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/LakeStevens/#!/LakeStevens14/LakeStevens1468.html#14.68)

## At a glance

Lake Stevens, Washington regulates 35 sign types across 12 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 15 ft max height in Planned Business District (PBD) and Central Business District (CBD); 6 ft max height in all other districts tall and General: 50 sq ft (≤200 ft frontage), 75 sq ft (200–400 ft), 100 sq ft (>400 ft). Nonresidential alternative: 250 sq ft max, with a Observe setbacks per 14.48.040 setback (Sec. 14.68.070(a)-(c); 14.68.100(a), (d), (f); 14.68.120(d), (g); 14.68.010). Most commercial signs in Lake Stevens require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (12 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 16 | Placement limits: not above second-story window sill level on multi-story buildings; not on/above cornice line for one-story buildings with cornice; not higher than highest point of parapet for one-story buildings with parapet; no roof signs (except roof surfaces ≥75° from horizontal are treated as wall space) | General: 50 sq ft (≤200 ft frontage), 75 sq ft (200–400 ft), 100 sq ft (>400 ft). Nonresidential alternative: 250 sq ft max | — |
| R4 Single-Family district (R4); Waterfront Residential district (WR-4); R6 Single-Family district (R6); R8-12 Residential zone (R8-12) | 7 | Max 12 ft | Max 32 sq ft (larger only via event permit) | — |
| Multi-Family Residential district (MFR) | 3 | Max 6 ft | Max 16 sq ft | — |
| Mixed Use (MU) zone; Mixed Use Neighborhood (MUN) zone | 6 | Subject to placement limits (not above cornice/parapet/second-story sill; no roof signs unless roof surface ≥75°) | Max 250 sq ft | — |
| Business district (BD) | 6 | Placement per 14.68.100(b) (cornice/parapet/second-story sill limits); no roof signs unless roof surface ≥75° | Max 250 sq ft | — |
| Commercial district (CD) | 6 | Placement per 14.68.100(b) | Max 250 sq ft | — |
| Central Business district (CBD) | 6 | Max 15 ft | Max 250 sq ft | — |
| Local Business (LB) zone | 6 | Per 14.68.100(b) | Max 250 sq ft | — |
| Planned Business district (PBD) | 6 | Max 15 ft | Max 250 sq ft | — |
| Light Industrial district; General Industrial district | 6 | Per 14.68.100(b) | Max 250 sq ft | — |
| Public/Semi-Public district | 7 | Per 14.68.100(b) | Max 250 sq ft | — |

_1 additional zoning district is covered in PermitPal (free account)._

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 12 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | Placement limits: not above second-story window sill level on multi-story buildings; not on/above cornice line for one-story buildings with cornice; not higher than highest point of parapet for one-story buildings with parapet; no roof signs (except roof surfaces ≥75° from horizontal are treated as wall space) | 20% of wall area (citywide cap per wall) | — | — | No more than one business identification sign per building side unless multiple businesses with separate entrances, in which case one per business per side with an entrance | On building walls; upper-floor window signs allowed only for businesses located exclusively above the first floor | — | 14.68.060(d); 14.68.100(b)-(c); 14.68.110(a)-(d); 14.68.010 |
| Freestanding Sign | 15 ft max height in Planned Business District (PBD) and Central Business District (CBD); 6 ft max height in all other districts | General: 50 sq ft (≤200 ft frontage), 75 sq ft (200–400 ft), 100 sq ft (>400 ft). Nonresidential alternative: 250 sq ft max | — | Observe setbacks per 14.48.040 | One per property, plus one for each street with at least 100 ft of frontage; one allowed for each non-intersection public street regardless of amount of frontage | On private property observing setbacks; may not be placed in or over the public right-of-way except as allowed for attached projecting/canopy/hanging signs with right-of-way permit | — | 14.68.070(a)-(c); 14.68.100(a), (d), (f); 14.68.120(d), (g); 14.68.010 |
| Projecting / Hanging / Marquee / Canopy Sign | Any portion above pedestrian areas must maintain 8 ft vertical clearance; cannot project closer than 2 ft from curb line | — | — | — | One per main entry | May project into/over public right-of-way only if attached to structural building element and a right-of-way permit is obtained | — | 14.68.100(d) |
| Animated Display Board | — | 50 sq ft total sign area; animated portion ≤40% of total sign area | — | — | Max one per establishment | Allowed only in nonresidential districts | — | 14.68.120(h) |
| Changeable Text Sign | — | No specific per-fixture area; limited by 10% aggregate cap of occupant’s allowable signage | — | — | No explicit count limit beyond aggregate area cap | Permitted only in Local Business (LB), Central Business District (CBD), and Public/Semi-Public districts; churches/synagogues/temples may have changeable text signs in any district where they are allowed by use, but not internally illuminated | — | 14.68.084(a)-(b) |
| Temporary Noncommercial – Stake or Picket Sign | In ROW: Residential 4 ft; Nonresidential & Mixed Use 6 ft. On private property: max 6 ft | In ROW: Residential zones 4 sq ft/side (8 sq ft total); Nonresidential & Mixed Use zones 16 sq ft/side (32 sq ft total). On private property: Residential zones 16 sq ft/side (32 sq ft total); Nonresidential & Mixed Use zones 32 sq ft/side (64 sq ft total) | — | — | ROW spacing requires ≥10 ft between temporary signs | May be placed in ROW subject to restrictions (not in roundabouts, medians, shoulders, travel lanes; only in pedestrian-accessible areas; not on public structures, nor adjacent to city facilities/parks). On private property only with owner/tenant consent | — | 14.68.015(a)-(e); 14.68.050(c) |
| Temporary Noncommercial – Banner | If above pedestrian area, lowest part must be >8 ft above grade | Max 32 sq ft; larger only if approved under an event permit | — | — | Max one per tenant space | Prohibited on public structures and over/across any passable roadway/driveway/alley unless approved in an event permit; removed at end of event | — | 14.68.015(b)(3) |
| Subdivision/Multi-Family Development Entrance Sign | Subject to district freestanding sign height limits | Max 16 sq ft per sign | — | Observe setbacks per 14.48.040 when freestanding | No more than two signs per entrance | At any entrance to a residential subdivision or multi-family development | — | 14.68.090; 14.68.110(c) |

### R4 Single-Family district (R4); Waterfront Residential district (WR-4); R6 Single-Family district (R6); R8-12 Residential zone (R8-12)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Temporary Noncommercial – Stake or Picket Sign (Residential) | ROW: 4 ft. Private property: 6 ft | ROW: 4 sq ft/side (8 sq ft total). Private property: 16 sq ft/side (32 sq ft total) | — | — | ROW spacing: ≥10 ft to next temporary sign | On private property with consent; in ROW only in pedestrian-accessible areas and subject to restrictions | — | 14.68.015(d)(3), (e)(2); 14.68.015(a) |
| Temporary Noncommercial – A-Frame (Sandwich Board) (Residential) | Subject to temporary sign height limits above | Subject to temporary sign size limits above when in ROW or on private property | — | — | — | ROW or private property per 14.68.015 | — | 14.68.015(b)(2), (d)-(e) |
| Temporary Noncommercial – Banner (Residential) | If above pedestrian area, lowest part >8 ft | Max 32 sq ft (larger only via event permit) | — | — | Max one per tenant space | Prohibited on public structures or over/ across passable roadways unless event permit | — | 14.68.015(b)(3) |
| Temporary Noncommercial – Feather or Sail (Residential) | Max 12 ft | Max 30 sq ft/side (60 sq ft total) | — | — | — | Allowed in ROW only within event permit; removed at end of event | — | 14.68.015(b)(4) |
| Subdivision Entrance Sign (Residential) | Max 6 ft (residential districts) | Max 16 sq ft | — | Observe setbacks per 14.48.040 | No more than two per entrance | At entrances to residential subdivisions | — | 14.68.090; 14.68.100(f) (6 ft in all other districts); 14.68.120(c); 14.68.110(c) |
| School/Church Identification, Bulletin Board, and Directional Signs (Residential) | — | Max 16 sq ft per side (32 sq ft total) | — | — | Max one per abutting street | On sites lawfully occupied by schools/churches | — | 14.68.020(g) |
| Permit-Exempt Temporary Signs (Residential) – See Options | — | For Sale/Lease/Rent: 4 sq ft/side (2 sides). Off-Premises Residential Activities: 4 sq ft/side (2 sides). Construction Site Identification: 32 sq ft. Interior Window/Door Temporary: ≤25% of transparent area. Holiday Displays: n/a. Grand Opening/Permitted Event: n/a | — | — | Option 2: Max 4 (no max for garage sales); Option 6: Max one per frontage | Per each option | — | 14.68.030(a)(1)-(6) |

### Public/Semi-Public district

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | Per 14.68.100(b) | Per wall: ≤20% of wall area; Per lot: ≤0.075 × building sq ft, max 500 sq ft | — | — | — | On building walls | — | 14.68.060(c)-(d); 14.68.100(b)-(c); 14.68.110(c) |
| Freestanding Sign | Max 6 ft | Max 250 sq ft | — | Observe setbacks per 14.48.040 | Per 14.68.080 | On public/semi-public sites; not within sight distance triangle | — | 14.68.070(b); 14.68.100(f); 14.68.120(d), (g); 14.68.110(c) |
| Projecting / Hanging / Marquee / Canopy Sign | ≥8 ft clearance; ≥2 ft from curb | — | — | — | Max one per main entry | Over ROW by permit | — | 14.68.100(d); 14.68.110(c) |
| Changeable Text Sign | — | Within 10% aggregate cap | — | — | No explicit count limit beyond aggregate cap | Permitted in Public/Semi-Public district | — | 14.68.084(a)-(b) |
| School/Church Identification, Bulletin Board, and Directional Signs (Public/Semi-Public) | — | Max 16 sq ft per side (32 sq ft total) | — | — | Max one per abutting street | On sites of schools/churches | — | 14.68.020(g) |
| Animated Display Board | — | 50 sq ft; animated portion ≤40% | — | — | Max one per establishment | Allowed in Public/Semi-Public district | — | 14.68.120(h) |
| Temporary Noncommercial Signs (Public/Semi-Public) | ROW: 6 ft. Private property: 6 ft | ROW: 16 sq ft/side (32 sq ft total). Private property: 32 sq ft/side (64 sq ft total). Banners max 32 sq ft; feather/sail max 30 sq ft/side (60 total), 12 ft height | — | — | — | Per 14.68.015(d)-(e) | — | 14.68.015(d)(4), (e)(3); 14.68.030(a) |

## Prohibited signs in Lake Stevens

- Off-premises signs are prohibited in all districts except those exempted from regulation or permit under Sections 14.68.020 or 14.68.030, and City-sponsored 'City Center/Welcome' signs identifying the historic downtown and general business/service types.
- Signs located within residential zone districts are prohibited unless specifically allowed elsewhere in Chapter 14.68.
- No sign may be located so that it substantially interferes with motorists' sight distance at intersections or to enter/exit streets; freestanding and portable signs are prohibited within the vehicular sight distance triangle (30 feet along each roadway from the intersection).
- No sign may be erected or designed so that by its location, color, size, shape, nature, or message it would obstruct the view of or be confused with official traffic signs or other governmental signs.
- Signs with flashing or intermittent lights or lights of changing intensity are prohibited, except for temporary displays erected in connection with the observance of holidays.
- Internally illuminated signs are prohibited outside the Commercial, Industrial, and Public/Semi-Public districts, except: (1) signs up to two square feet indicating 'open/closed' or lodging 'vacancy' status; (2) neon signs less than nine square feet and/or mounted to be seen through a window and otherwise compliant; (3) signs for churches, synagogues, and temples (changeable text signs for these uses may not be internally illuminated).
- No sign within 150 feet of a residential zone may be illuminated between midnight and 6:00 a.m., unless an opaque screen effectively blocks the view of the sign from the residential zone.
- No sign or supporting structure may be located in or over any portion of a public right-of-way unless it is attached to a structural element of a building, a right-of-way permit is obtained, there is at least eight feet of clearance above pedestrian areas, the sign remains at least two feet from the curb line, and only one hanging/marquee/canopy/projecting sign is installed per main building entry.
- For buildings with more than one story, no sign may be placed higher than the second-story window sill level (except upper-floor window signs for businesses located exclusively above the first floor); for one-story buildings with a cornice, no sign may be on or above the cornice line; for one-story buildings with a parapet, no sign may be higher than the highest point of the parapet; no sign may be placed upon any roof surface (surfaces at 75 degrees or more from horizontal are treated as wall space); and no sign may be on or above a gas pump canopy cornice line.
- Signs designed to revolve or that are animated or that utilize movement or apparent movement to attract attention are prohibited; banners, streamers, pennants, and propellers are prohibited, except barber poles and temporary holiday displays per Section 14.68.030(a)(5). (Note: flags, pennants, or insignia of governmental or nonprofit organizations not used for commercial promotion are exempt under Section 14.68.020(d).)
- It is unlawful to damage, trim, destroy, or remove trees, shrubs, or vegetation to increase sign visibility if located within a public right-of-way without written authorization, on property not under one’s control without owner authorization, in areas where vegetation must remain under a permit, or within native growth protection or similar easements.

## Signs exempt from permit in Lake Stevens

- Signs not exceeding four square feet in area that are customarily associated with residential use (e.g., resident names, addresses, no parking/trespassing, home occupations, beware of dog, security signs).
- Noncommercial signs erected/placed by or authorized by a governmental agency for public purposes (e.g., legal notices, identification/informational signs, traffic/directional/regulatory signs).
- Official noncommercial signs erected by public utilities.
- Flags, pennants, or insignia of any governmental or nonprofit organization when not displayed in connection with a commercial promotion or as an advertising device.
- Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings or works of art that do not contain business identification, trademarks, moving parts, or lights, and are not displayed in connection with a commercial promotion or as an advertising device.
- Informational signs directing/guiding pedestrian or automobile traffic on private property that do not exceed four square feet each and bear no advertising matter.
- School and church bulletin boards, identification signs, and directional signs that do not exceed one per abutting street and 16 square feet per side (32 square feet total) and are not internally illuminated.
- Signs painted on or permanently attached to currently licensed motor vehicles that are not primarily used as signs.
- Names of buildings, commemorative plaques or tablets, and similar noncommercial signs when carved into permanent materials or made of permanent construction, integral to the structure, and projecting no more than two inches from a wall or at grade.
- Public information stations such as kiosks, bulletin boards, or similar devices used to convey community information.
- Permit-exempt temporary signs: for-sale/lease/rent signs on the property (max four square feet per side, two sides; remove immediately after transaction per frontage).
- Permit-exempt temporary signs: off-premises signs for temporary activities customarily associated with residential uses (e.g., garage sales, one-time residential events), limited to size, number, and time-of-day/timeframe; allowed on private or public property with owner permission.
- Permit-exempt temporary signs: construction site identification signs (one per site, up to 32 square feet; not before issuance of a land use permit; remove within 30 days after project completion).
- Permit-exempt temporary signs: temporary signs attached to the interior of nonresidential building windows/glass doors not covering more than 25% of the transparent area.
- Permit-exempt temporary displays (including lighting, flags, or pennants) erected in connection with the observance of holidays when not displayed in connection with a commercial promotion or as an advertising device, removed within 30 days following the holidays.
- Permit-exempt temporary signs: grand opening or permitted event signs on nonresidential sites (no more than one per frontage; allowed up to two weeks before and removed within three days after the event).

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A Master Sign Program is required for properties occupied by multiple business enterprises (e.g., shopping centers), established in the name of the property owner and addressing design standards and locations of communal signs; each business must obtain an individual sign permit consistent with the Master Sign Program and Chapter 14.68 (Section 14.68.010(c)).
- If detailed sign plans are included with a land use permit submittal, the land use permit approval can also serve as the sign permit (Section 14.68.010(b)).
- When seeking special consideration under the Incentive Provisions for Exceptional Efforts, the petition and application must be presented with the entire sign plan to the Design Review Board, along with a narrative addressing specified criteria; this process may allow relaxation of number, dimensional, and locational standards at the Planning Director’s discretion (Section 14.68.124).

## 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 12 zoning districts in Lake Stevens — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Lake+Stevens+WA&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-lake-stevens

---

PermitPal — AI sign code research. Full HTML page: https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/washington/lake-stevens