Sign Regulations in Mountlake Terrace, Washington
Mountlake Terrace, Washington has specific sign regulations covering 22 sign types across 13 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Freestanding or Monument Sign, Wall Sign, Wall Sign (All Uses). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: June 19, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Mountlake Terrace, Washington
Sample Sign Requirements in Mountlake Terrace
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Single-Household Residential Use) | — | N/A | — |
| Wall Sign (Private Recreational Facilities) | — | 50 sq. ft. per wall | Sign structures must comply with minimum front, side, and rear yard building setbacks for zone; may not extend over property lines; may not violate sight area triangle (see 19.135.050(B), 19.120.290) |
| Wall Sign (Religious Facilities, Schools) | — | 50 sq. ft. per wall | Sign structures must comply with minimum front, side, and rear yard building setbacks for zone; may not extend over property lines; may not violate sight area triangle (see 19.135.050(B), 19.120.290) |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Mountlake TerraceFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
22
- Freestanding or Monument Sign
- Wall Sign
- Wall Sign (All Uses)
- Awning Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
13
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Mountlake Terrace
Other Cities in Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Mountlake Terrace 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 Mountlake Terrace, 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 Mountlake Terrace, regulated sign types include Freestanding or Monument Sign, Wall Sign, Wall Sign (All Uses), Awning 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 Mountlake Terrace 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 Mountlake Terrace are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Mountlake Terrace has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Mountlake Terrace, Washington Sign Rules at a Glance
Mountlake Terrace, Washington regulates 22 sign types across 13 zoning districts. Freestanding or Monument Sign (religious facilities, schools, PUDs, subdivisions) - Residentials in the Single-Household Residential Districts (RS 8400, RS 7200, RS 4800, RS-T) zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 24 sq. ft., with a Must meet minimum yard building setbacks for RS zone; not extend over property lines; not violate sight area triangle (see 19.135.050(B), 19.120.290) setback (Sec. 19.135.060(E) (Freestanding and Monument Signs; RS; religious facilities, schools, PUDs, subdivisions)). Most commercial signs in Mountlake Terrace require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Mountlake Terrace, Washington
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Mountlake Terrace (13 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Household Residential Districts (RS 8400, RS 7200, RS 4800, RS-T) | 4 | 6 ft | 50 sq. ft. per wall | — |
| Multiple-Household Residential Districts (RML, RMM) | 2 | 6 ft | 50 sq. ft. per wall | — |
| Community Business District (BC) | 5 | 30 ft | Max. 12 in. vertical | — |
| Town Center Zones (TC-1, TC-2, TC-3, TC-R) | 2 | 30 ft | — | — |
| General Commercial District (CG) | 3 | 30 ft | Counts toward wall sign area | — |
| Freeway/Tourist District (F/T, all building districts A-F) | 3 | 30 ft | 50 sq. ft. | — |
| Light Industry/Office Park District (LI/OP) | 3 | 30 ft | Counts as part of wall sign area | — |
| Sexually Oriented Adult Businesses/Adult Entertainment Establishments Overlay District (S.O.A.B.) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Recreation and Park District (REC, with subdistricts Mini-Parks, Neighborhood Parks, Community Parks, Natural Area/Greenway, Linear Parks, Special Use Areas) | 3 | 15 ft above grade at base | 100 sq. ft. total per facility; max 50 sq. ft. per street frontage | — |
| Special Development District/Residential (SDD/R) | 2 | — | 50 sq. ft. per wall | — |
| Special Development District Commercial/Residential (SDD C/R) | 2 | 30 ft | — | — |
| Public Facilities and Services District (PFS) | 2 | 30 ft | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | 6 ft on-premises; 2 ft off-premises | 16 sq. ft. | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Mountlake Terrace(sample of 3 of 13 zones)
Single-Household Residential Districts (RS 8400, RS 7200, RS 4800, RS-T)
| 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 (Single-Household Residential Use) | — | N/A | — | — | 0 | — | — | Unlock | 19.135.060(A) (Wall Signs; RS; Single-household residential) |
| Wall Sign (Private Recreational Facilities) | — | 50 sq. ft. per wall | — | Sign structures must comply with minimum front, side, and rear yard building setbacks for zone; may not extend over property lines; may not violate sight area triangle (see 19.135.050(B), 19.120.290) | 1 per wall | On wall; may not extend above building wall to which attached | — | Unlock | 19.135.060(A) (Wall Signs; RS; Private recreational facilities) |
| Wall Sign (Religious Facilities, Schools) | — | 50 sq. ft. per wall | — | Sign structures must comply with minimum front, side, and rear yard building setbacks for zone; may not extend over property lines; may not violate sight area triangle (see 19.135.050(B), 19.120.290) | 1 per wall | On wall; may not extend above building wall to which attached | — | Unlock | 19.135.060(A) (Wall Signs; RS; Religious facilities, schools) |
| Freestanding or Monument Sign (religious facilities, schools, PUDs, subdivisions) - Residential | 6 ft | 24 sq. ft. | — | Must meet minimum yard building setbacks for RS zone; not extend over property lines; not violate sight area triangle (see 19.135.050(B), 19.120.290) | 2 per lot; 1 per street frontage | Permitted on street frontage; not to exceed max height | — | Unlock | 19.135.060(E) (Freestanding and Monument Signs; RS; religious facilities, schools, PUDs, subdivisions) |
Community Business District (BC)
| 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 (All Uses) | — | — | — | — | 4 per wall | On wall; not above wall; mounted flat | — | Unlock | 19.135.060(A) (Wall Signs; BC, CG, LI/OP, F/T, PFS, SDD C/R) |
| Awning Sign | — | Counts toward wall sign total area | — | — | 1 per use | On awning, not over 1ft above wall, 8ft clear above sidewalk | — | Unlock | 19.135.060(B) |
| Projecting Sign | — | Counts toward wall sign total area | Project max 5 ft from bldg facade | — | 1 per use | Attached to bldg; 8ft clearance above sidewalk | — | Unlock | 19.135.060(C) |
| Under-Marquee Sign | — | Max. 12 in. vertical | — | — | — | Suspended from marquee, 8ft clearance above ground | — | Unlock | 19.135.060(D) |
| Freestanding or Monument Sign | 30 ft | — | — | Signs must meet setbacks, not extend over property lines, comply with sight triangles. | 2 per lot, 1 per street frontage | Street frontage, integrated base and landscaping required | — | Unlock | 19.135.060(E) |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garage Sale Sign | 6 ft on-premises; 2 ft off-premises | 2 sq. ft. on-premises, 4 sq. ft. off-premises | — | — | 2 on-premises, 2 off-premises | On-premises or in right-of-way as specified | — | Unlock | 19.120.210; 19.135.090(E) |
| Political Sign | — | 16 sq. ft. | — | — | — | On private property or within public ROW with property owner permission (subject to code) | — | Unlock | 19.135.090(C) |
| Real Estate Sign | 6 ft. (single-fam/multi-fam), 10 ft. (comm/indust) | 6 sq. ft. (single home), 16 sq. ft. (multi-fam), 32 sq. ft. (commercial/industrial) | — | — | 2 per lot, 1 per frontage (on-premises); 3 off-prem for open house | On premises being advertised; off-premises with restriction | — | Unlock | 19.135.090(D) |
PermitPal covers all 13 zoning districts in Mountlake Terrace — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 13 zones for Mountlake Terrace — start freeProhibited Signs in Mountlake Terrace
- No sign shall be located on any building, portion of building, or property other than where the business or service advertised is located. (19.135.050.A)
- No sign shall extend into or over a public right-of-way, except as permitted by certain public information signs. (19.135.050.A, 19.135.080.H)
- No sign shall be built to or extend over any property line; setback requirements must be met, including sight triangles. (19.135.050.B)
- No sign shall impair or interfere with sight distance at intersections or driveways (sight area triangles). (19.135.050.B, 19.120.290)
- No sign shall be illuminated so as to create a nuisance or safety hazard for traffic or adjoining residents. (19.135.050.C.3)
- No sign shall have lighting that includes exposed incandescent lamps over 25 watts without a dimmer or sunscreen, revolutions, beacons, or strobe lights, except as allowed for certain changing message centers. (19.135.050.C.1)
- No animated, revolving, or rotating sign is allowed without an approved special use sign permit. (19.135.070.D)
- Off-premises signs are not allowed, except for very limited exceptions for political/real estate/garage sale signs and with special use sign permit. (19.135.070.C)
- Portable signs are prohibited, with exceptions for political, real estate, garage sale, and approved temporary/special events. (19.135.070.B)
- No sign may be affixed to utility, street light, or traffic control poles, except by the utility or government. (19.135.070.E)
- No sign shall be animated, revolve, or rotate, except approved clock, digital, or barber pole, or with special use sign permit. (19.135.070.D)
- No sign shall simulate or resemble traffic-control signals/devices, or obscure such devices. (19.135.070.F)
- No sign shall display obscene content as defined by state/federal law. (19.135.070.H)
- Signs within the public right-of-way are prohibited unless specifically approved by the City Engineer. (19.135.070.G)
- No sign or associated lighting may be hazardous to passing motorists or create glare visible from a public right-of-way. (19.120.030, 19.135.050.C)
- No sign shall be maintained in a deteriorated/unsafe condition (signs must be maintained). (19.135.050.D)
- Banners, streamers, pennants, balloons, and temporary celebration devices are only permitted for limited periods with specific events like grand opening or special event, and are prohibited otherwise. (19.135.070.A, 19.135.060.I)
- Nonconforming signs may not be structurally altered or moved without coming into compliance with current regulations. (19.135.050.E, 19.120.250 for nonconformances in general)
- Signs advertising a home occupation/business within a residence are not permitted unless clearly incidental and conforming. (inferred from 19.120.230.B.7, residential sign limits)
- Off-premises signage for marijuana businesses is not allowed. (19.150.040.C)
- Signs must not interfere with access to utilities, water meters, fire hydrants, or impede public right-of-way. (19.130.200.E)
- No sign may be built to violate the defined yard or setback exceptions. (19.120.190)
- Signs shall not be posted on trees. (implicit in no utility pole and protection of trees; 19.130.180)
Exempt Signs in Mountlake Terrace
- Traffic signs, directional signs, and public service message signs installed by government agencies are exempt. (19.135.080.A, H)
- Point of purchase advertising displays such as product dispensers are exempt. (19.135.080.B)
- National and governmental flags are exempt. (19.135.080.C, I)
- Gravestones are exempt. (19.135.080.D)
- Historical site plaques and signs integral to a historical building are exempt. (19.135.080.E)
- Structures or improvements intended for a separate use, such as phone booths, Goodwill containers, and newspaper recycling boxes, are exempt. (19.135.080.F)
- Building addresses with numbers and letters not more than 12 inches in height are exempt. (19.135.080.G)
- Seasonal decorations displayed within an appropriate holiday season or organized community event are exempt if removed within two weeks after the holiday/event. (19.135.090.A)
- Construction signs as specified (non-illuminated, limited size/placement/duration) are exempt from permit. (19.135.090.B)
- Incidental signs of a noncommercial nature (up to two square feet) are exempt from permit. (19.135.090.F)
- Real estate signs meeting size, location, and duration limits are exempt from permit requirement. (19.135.090.D)
- Political signs meeting location, size, spacing, and permission limits are exempt from permit; further unrestricted at political HQ. (19.135.090.C)
- Garage sale signs as regulated are exempt. (19.135.090.E)
- Public information, governmental, and safety signs are generally exempt from sign code requirements. (19.135.080.H, 19.135.080.A)
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Mountlake Terrace
- The Planning Commission may issue special use sign permits to allow off-premises directional signs, animated signs, or signs using a comprehensive design plan that integrates signage into the larger site/building architectural plan. (19.135.100)
- Any request for a comprehensive design sign plan (integration of signage with building/site design, including exemption from strict size/height limits) requires a narrative and submittal for Planning Commission review. (19.135.100.C)
- Special use sign permits are subject to specific design, location, and narrative requirements and may allow exceptions to sign standards for exceptional architectural/visual integration. (19.135.100.C)
- Application for new/altered (nonexempt) signs requires a permit submitted on a form approved by the Planning Department. (19.135.030)
- Nonconforming signs must be brought into compliance if structurally altered, replaced, or moved. (19.135.030, 19.135.050.E, 19.120.250)
- Sign area computation and compliance (including for awnings, super graphics, projecting signs, etc.) must follow specific code calculations in 19.135.040/19.135.060.
- Freeway-oriented signs require Planning Commission review for sign area and location. (19.135.060.J)
- Farmers market signs require a seasonal sign permit with approved locations and duration, issued by the planning department. (19.135.060.I.3)
- Signs in the Special Development District (SDD) must be approved by the Planning Commission (for freestanding signs). (19.80.120)
- Grand opening advertising/temporary signage—may be installed only by permit/approval from Planning Department and only within defined time windows. (19.135.060.I)
- Banner signs to be hung over public streets require separate permits, may only be requested by nonprofits/government, and must follow specific content and process rules. (19.136.010–.120)
Source: other municipal code