Sign Regulations in Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington has specific sign regulations covering 44 sign types across 12 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Memorial/Building Name/Dates (Masonry/Bronze), Public Facility/Safety Signs, Nameplate (Dwelling Occupant). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: June 3, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Seattle, Washington
Sample Sign Requirements in Seattle
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign (General) | Temporary signs in planting strip: within 30 ft of intersection curbline: 24 in; 30 ft+ from intersection: 36 in | 8 sq ft per building lot in neighborhood residential zones; 24 sq ft per building lot in all other zones; noncommercial messages: up to 8 sq ft per dwelling unit, and for buildings with 8+ dwelling units, real estate banner may be up to 36 sq ft for one 9-month period | — |
| Sign Kiosk | 9 ft (includes 2 ft for artistic decoration) | Up to four sections, each max 7 ft high, 3 ft wide (center to center of supports, may be up to 14 ft total width if four sections), and 6 in deep; up to 2 ft extra height for decoration (total max 9 ft); single posting max 8.5 in x 14 in | — |
| Video Display Method Signs (General) | 15 ft above grade (pole signs min 10 ft above grade) | 1000 sq in and no dimension over 3 ft, OR meets requirements for 'Exhibit A Area' OR 'grandfathered' sign; if within Exhibit A Area and minimum 15 ft from curb, max 20 sq ft per face | If within Exhibit A, min 15 ft from curb |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for SeattleFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
44
- Memorial/Building Name/Dates (Masonry/Bronze)
- Public Facility/Safety Signs
- Nameplate (Dwelling Occupant)
- Flags (National, State, Institutional)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
12
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Seattle
Other Cities in Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Seattle 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 Seattle, 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 Seattle, regulated sign types include Memorial/Building Name/Dates (Masonry/Bronze), Public Facility/Safety Signs, Nameplate (Dwelling Occupant), Flags (National, State, Institutional), 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 Seattle 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 Seattle are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Seattle has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Seattle, Washington Sign Rules at a Glance
Seattle, Washington regulates 44 sign types across 12 zoning districts. Business Sign (Ground Floor, Midrise/Highrise Only)s in the Multifamily Zones zoning district are capped at 15 ft tall and 24 sq ft per face (Sec. 23.55.022.E). Most commercial signs in Seattle require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Seattle, Washington
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Seattle (12 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | Temporary signs in planting strip: within 30 ft of intersection curbline: 24 in; 30 ft+ from intersection: 36 in | 1000 sq in and no dimension over 3 ft, OR meets requirements for 'Exhibit A Area' OR 'grandfathered' sign; if within Exhibit A Area and minimum 15 ft from curb, max 20 sq ft per face | — |
| Neighborhood Residential Zones | 11 | 25 ft | Total sign faces: 170 sq ft; any single face: 85 sq ft | — |
| Multifamily Zones | 14 | 30 ft | Total faces: 170 sq ft; any single face: 85 sq ft | — |
| Residential Commercial (RC) Zones | 2 | 15 ft | Total sign faces: 170 sq ft per business establishment; any single face: 85 sq ft | — |
| NC1, NC2 | 13 | 25 ft | Max area for all signs per business establishment: 185 sq ft; marquee sign: may not exceed 30 in above marquee, total vertical dimension max 5 ft | — |
| NC3, Commercial 1 (C1), Commercial 2 (C2), Seattle Mixed (SM) Zones | 12 | Projecting/Combination sign: 65 ft or zone height limit (lesser); Pole sign: 30 ft; Pole sign for business center/100 ft of state highway: 40 ft; Roof: 30 ft above roof, not to exceed height limit | Wall sign: 672 sq ft; No area limit for awning, canopy, marquee, under-marquee in NC3/SM/C1/C2 | — |
| Sand Point Overlay District (Subareas B and C) | 8 | Projecting sign (not pedestrian): 50 ft or height of wall (lesser); wall, awning, canopy, marquee, under-marquee: 20 ft or top of wall | 48 sq ft | — |
| Downtown Zones, Downtown Mixed Residential/Commercial (DMR/C), Downtown Mixed Residential/Residential (DMR/R) | 7 | 65 ft above sidewalk at street property line closest to sign; except hotel/public building ID signs, up to 4 signs may exceed 65 ft | No max, except wall sign: 672 sq ft; signs for hotels/public buildings above 65 ft: 18 ft in any dimension | — |
| Industrial Buffer (IB), Industrial Commercial (IC), Industrial General 1 (IG1), Industrial General 2 (IG2) | 12 | Projecting/Combination: 65 ft or zone height (lesser); Pole: 30 ft (or 40 ft for business center or 100 ft from state R/W); Roof: up to zone height for office use; spectator sports can exceed subject to limits | No max for business, wall sign: 672 sq ft except spectator sports (40,000+ seats): 3,000 sq ft | — |
| Seattle Center Sign Overlay District (Arena Subarea) | 4 | 65 ft above grade, or zone max, whichever less | Wall sign: 672 sq ft (unless on qualifying glass wall, then max 30%); no stated max for awning/canopy/marquee | — |
| Seattle Center Sign Overlay District (Bressi Block Subarea) | 3 | Per Part 1/2 of Chapter 23.55; see commercial zones | Per Part 1/2 of Chapter 23.55; see commercial zones | — |
| Seattle Center Sign Overlay District (Center Campus Subarea) | 2 | No numeric limit; determined by Seattle Center Director | No numeric limit; determined by Seattle Center Director per standards/guidelines | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Seattle(sample of 3 of 12 zones)
Multifamily 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate (Dwelling Occupant) | — | 64 sq in | — | — | 1 per dwelling unit | On premises | — | Unlock | 23.55.022.D.1 |
| Wall or Ground Identification Sign (Multifamily Structure) | — | 16-50 sq ft, depending on units | — | — | 1 per street or alley frontage | On each street or alley frontage | — | Unlock | 23.55.022.D.6 |
| Wall/Ground Sign (Institution, not Elementary or Secondary School) | — | 24 sq ft per sign face (double faced allowed) | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On each street frontage | — | Unlock | 23.55.022.D.7 |
| Wall/Ground Sign (Elementary or Secondary School) | — | 30 sq ft per sign face (double faced allowed) per street frontage | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On premises | — | Unlock | 23.55.022.D.9 |
| Business Sign (Ground Floor, Midrise/Highrise Only) | 15 ft | 24 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Wall or projecting sign on ground floor or below | — | Unlock | 23.55.022.E |
| Replacement Business Sign (Nonconforming Use) | 30 ft | Total faces: 170 sq ft; any single face: 85 sq ft | — | — | No increase in number | Same place as original sign | — | Unlock | 23.55.022.F |
| Directional Sign (On-premises) | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | 1 per entrance/exit | At each entrance/exit to parking area/garage | — | Unlock | 23.55.022.G |
| Residential District Identification Sign | — | 50 sq ft per sign face | — | — | 1 per entrance | Wall or ground sign at entrance | — | Unlock | 23.55.022.I.2; 23.55.014.D |
NC1, NC2
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate (Dwelling Occupant) | — | 64 sq in | — | — | 1 per dwelling unit | On premises | — | Unlock | 23.55.028.D.1.a |
| Under-Marquee Sign | — | 10 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business establishment | Under marquee | — | Unlock | 23.55.028.D.1.e |
| Type A Sign (Ground, Roof, Projecting, or Combination sign) | 25 ft | 72 sq ft per sign (max area of any Type A sign); for gas station price pole sign: 96 sq ft | — | — | 1 per 300 linear ft frontage | Per public right-of-way frontage except alleys | — | Unlock | 23.55.028.D.2.a, D.3, D.5.a, D.5.d |
| Type B Sign (Wall, Awning, Canopy, Marquee, Under-Marquee) | Wall/under-marquee: 20 ft or ht of cornice, whichever is higher; Marquee above marquee: 30 in (vertical dim. max 5 ft) | Max area for all signs per business establishment: 185 sq ft; marquee sign: may not exceed 30 in above marquee, total vertical dimension max 5 ft | — | — | 1 per 30 linear ft frontage | On facade | — | Unlock | 23.55.028.D.2.b, D.5.b, D.5.c |
| Pole Sign | 25 ft | Type A sign standard applies, max 72 sq ft, except price sign (gas) max 96 sq ft | — | — | See formula | May be allowed as pole sign in lieu of Type A sign, or additional for multi-business center and drive-in business; see formula | — | Unlock | 23.55.028.D.2.c-d, D.3 |
| Identification Sign (Multifamily Structure) | — | 24–50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per frontage | Wall, ground, awning, canopy, marquee, under-marquee, projecting | — | Unlock | 23.55.028.D.4 |
| Off-premises Identification Sign (Business District) | — | See 23.55.014 | — | — | 2 per district | Not in a residential zone | — | Unlock | 23.55.028.E.1; 23.55.014 |
| Residential District ID Sign | — | 50 sq ft face | — | — | 1 per entrance | Wall or ground at entrance | — | Unlock | 23.55.028.E.2; 23.55.014.D |
NC3, Commercial 1 (C1), Commercial 2 (C2), Seattle Mixed (SM) 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate (Dwelling Occupant) | — | 64 sq in | — | — | 1 per dwelling unit | On premises | — | Unlock | 23.55.030.E.1.a |
| Under-Marquee Sign | — | 10 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business establishment | Under marquee | — | Unlock | 23.55.030.E.1.e |
| Home Occupation Sign | — | 5 sq ft | — | — | 1 per home occupation | — | — | Unlock | 23.55.030.E.1.f |
| Type A Sign (Ground, Roof, Projecting, Combination sign) | Projecting/Combination sign: 65 ft or zone height limit (lesser); Pole sign: 30 ft; Pole sign for business center/100 ft of state highway: 40 ft; Roof: 30 ft above roof, not to exceed height limit | NC3/SM: 72 sq ft per sign plus 2 sq ft for each foot of frontage over 36 ft to a max of 300 sq ft; Pole signs for business centers/100 ft of state highway: 600 sq ft; Pole sign for gas station: 96 sq ft; C1/C2: No max for business except for wall sign (672 sq ft) | — | — | 1 per 300 linear ft frontage | Per public right-of-way frontage except alleys | — | Unlock | 23.55.030.E.2.a,c,d, E.3 |
| Type B Sign (Wall, Awning, Canopy, Marquee, Under-Marquee) | Wall, marquee, under-marquee, canopy: 20 ft or top of cornice, greater; Marquee: may not exceed cornice by 30 inches (total vertical dimension 5 ft) | Wall sign: 672 sq ft; No area limit for awning, canopy, marquee, under-marquee in NC3/SM/C1/C2 | — | — | 1 per 30 linear ft | On facade | — | Unlock | 23.55.030.E.2.b, E.3 |
| Identification Sign (Multifamily Structure) | — | 72 sq ft | — | — | 1 per frontage | Wall, ground, awning, canopy, marquee, under-marquee, projecting | — | Unlock | 23.55.030.E.4 |
| Off-premises Identification Sign (Business District) | — | See 23.55.014 | — | — | 2 per district | Not in residential zone | — | Unlock | 23.55.030.F.1; 23.55.014 |
| Residential District Identification Sign | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per entrance | Wall or ground at entrance | — | Unlock | 23.55.030.F.2; 23.55.014.D |
PermitPal covers all 12 zoning districts in Seattle — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 12 zones for Seattle — start freeProhibited Signs in Seattle
- Flashing signs are prohibited in all zones.
- Signs that rotate or have a rotating/moving part(s) that revolve at a speed in excess of seven revolutions per minute are prohibited in all zones.
- Signs attached to or located on stationary motor vehicles, equipment, trailers, and related devices are prohibited, except for signs not exceeding five square feet and relating to the sale, lease, or rent of the motor vehicle to which the signs are attached.
- Portable signs are prohibited, other than readily detachable signs having a fixed base or mounting for placement and intermittent use.
- Banners, streamers, strings of pennants, fabric signs, festoons of lights, clusters of flags, wind-animated objects, balloons, searchlights, and similar devices are prohibited, except where the principal use is outdoor retail sales in specific zones, where permitted as temporary signs, or as permitted in Part 4.
- Signs that attempt, or appear to attempt, to direct the movement of traffic or that interfere with, imitate, or resemble any official traffic sign, signal, or device are prohibited.
- Signs using a video display method are prohibited, except as allowed in Section 23.55.005 or Part 4.
- No sign may be placed on public property or on the planting strips that abut public property, except as specifically permitted for temporary signs or for vehicles lawfully using the street.
- No sign shall obstruct or impair access to a public sidewalk, street, driveway, traffic control sign, bus stop, fire hydrant, or other street furniture, or otherwise create a hazard, including a tripping hazard.
- Barberpoles, including brackets and fastenings, shall not extend more than one foot into any public right-of-way.
- No permanent sign shall extend into any public right-of-way to within less than two feet of the curbline, or more than six feet beyond the property line (except at certain intersections as defined).
- No temporary sign made of rigid material shall extend more than four inches into the public right-of-way.
- Roof signs shall not project into any public right-of-way.
- Audio speakers are prohibited in association with a sign using a video method of display.
- No sign may be painted with light-reflecting paint or illuminated if it is a temporary real estate, construction, or noncommercial message sign.
- No sign shall be maintained in a surface parking area or on a parking garage which faces a residential lot other than one designating an entrance, exit, or condition of use.
- Wall signs cannot be relocated (re: advertising signs).
- Off-premises signs shall not be roof signs.
- Off-premises signs that include lights as part of the message/content (chasing and message board advertising signs) are prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Seattle
- Real estate 'for sale,' 'for rent' and 'open house' temporary signs, temporary signs identifying the architect, engineer or contractor for work currently under construction, and temporary noncommercial messages displayed on fabric signs, flags, or rigid signs are permitted in all zones at all times, provided not illuminated or painted with light-reflecting paint, and within specified size limits.
- Temporary commercial/noncommercial messages may be displayed for up to four fourteen-day periods per year, in all zones, on banners, streamers, pennants, festoons of lights, flags, wind-animated objects, rigid/nonrigid signs, balloons, searchlights, or similar carnival-type devices, within specified size/duration limits.
- Commercial and noncommercial temporary signs may be placed on public rights-of-way or in planting strips in business districts, subject to City of Seattle Public Works Rules Chapter 4.60.
- Temporary signs with noncommercial messages (other than those in business districts) may be placed in planting strips in front of private property with occupant consent, within size/stake limits.
- Temporary commercial 'open house' signs are allowed in planting strips, one per street frontage, with occupant/seller present, subject to size/height restrictions.
- The following are permitted (in respective sections/contexts) in all zones: signs bearing the name of the occupant (not exceeding 64 square inches); memorial signs/tablets and building names/dates cut into masonry/bronze/other non-combustible materials; signs for public facilities indicating danger or providing service or safety info; national, state, and institutional flags.
- Temporary signs are not subject to certain permanent sign standards regarding area, number, placement, provided the specific temporary sign standards (Section 23.55.012) are met.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Seattle
- A sign plan is required and evaluated as part of applying for a special exception in commercial and downtown zones, as described in Section 23.55.040: exceptions to size, number, type, height, and depth of projection of on-premises signs may be authorized if the proposed sign plan demonstrates visual harmony, preserves desirable design/siting patterns, or reduces impact on historic landmarks. Narrative and colored rendering showing sign plan and relationship to surroundings are required in the submittal.
- Variances from provisions of Chapter 23.55 may be permitted, except from subsection 23.55.014.A (advertising signs) and certain provisions of Section 23.55.042 (signs near highways).
- The design of sign kiosks must comply with the design principles approved by the Seattle Design Commission or be reviewed/recommended by the Commission (Section 23.55.015).
- Marquee signs, signs projecting over public rights-of-way, and signs in special review districts may require additional approval or permit processes, as referenced in various sections (e.g., street use permits, design/landmarks review).
- Proposals for signs in the Seattle Center Sign Overlay District, and specifically within the Center Campus Subarea, must be consistent with Seattle Center Sign Guidelines approved by the Seattle Center Advisory Commission; sign standards and number/type/area/height are determined by the Seattle Center Director and any applicable guidelines.
- In special review districts, landmark districts, or areas subject to other overlay district rules, signs may be subject to additional plan review or approval processes (cross-referenced in 23.55.002/23.66/25.12, etc.).
Source: municode municipal code