Sign Regulations in Stanwood, Washington
Stanwood, Washington has specific sign regulations covering 40 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Monument Sign, Wall Sign, Blade Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: October 9, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Stanwood, Washington
Sample Sign Requirements in Stanwood
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Freestanding Sign (Single-Family Zone, Post-Mounted) | 5 ft | 4 sq ft | — |
| Temporary Surface-Mounted Sign (Residential, 2+ acre lots) | — | 32 sq ft | — |
| Freestanding Sign (Along SR 532) | 15 ft base max; may increase 1 ft of height per additional 1 ft of setback beyond 10 ft, up to 20 ft total | Single business: 40 sq ft per side; Multi-tenant: 85 sq ft per side | Minimum 10 ft from property line; additional setback allows added height as stated |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for StanwoodFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
40
- Monument Sign
- Wall Sign
- Blade Sign
- Feather Banner Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Stanwood
Other Cities in Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
In Stanwood, monument signs are limited to 5 ft. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Stanwood, 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 Stanwood, regulated sign types include Monument Sign, Wall Sign, Blade Sign, Feather Banner 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 Stanwood 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 Stanwood are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Stanwood has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Stanwood, Washington Sign Rules at a Glance
Stanwood, Washington regulates 40 sign types across 6 zoning districts. A Board Sign or Portable Signs in the NB (Neighborhood Business) zoning district, DMU (Downtown Mixed-Use) zoning district, GC (General Commercial) zoning district, PI (Planned Industrial) zoning district, GI (General Industrial) zoning district zoning district are capped at 48 in tall, 18 in to 30 in wide; 30 in to 48 in tall, and 30 in wide, with a Not within 10 feet of driveway/access, not on vehicular right of way/islands/crosswalks setback (Sec. 17.110.080(5)). Most commercial signs in Stanwood require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Stanwood, Washington
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Stanwood (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SR (Single-Family Residential) 12.4 zoning district, SR (Single-Family Residential) 9.6 zoning district, SR (Single-Family Residential) 7.0 zoning district, SR (Single-Family Residential) 5.0 zoning district | 19 | 30 to 48 inches when displayed | Up to 125 sq ft | — |
| MR (Multiple-Family Residential) zoning district, TN (Traditional Neighborhood) zoning district | 19 | 30 to 48 inches when displayed | Up to 125 sq ft | — |
| NB (Neighborhood Business) zoning district, DMU (Downtown Mixed-Use) zoning district, GC (General Commercial) zoning district, PI (Planned Industrial) zoning district, GI (General Industrial) zoning district | 12 | 48 in | 125 sq ft (max) | — |
| POS (Parks and Open Space) zoning district | 1 | 4 ft | 32 sq ft (4 ft x 8 ft) | — |
| PF (Public Facilities) zoning district | 2 | — | 40 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 8 | Wall clocks 15-20 ft; sidewalk clock min 15 ft tall | 64 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Stanwood(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
SR (Single-Family Residential) 12.4 zoning district, SR (Single-Family Residential) 9.6 zoning district, SR (Single-Family Residential) 7.0 zoning district, SR (Single-Family Residential) 5.0 zoning district
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Along SR 532) | 15 ft base max; may increase 1 ft of height per additional 1 ft of setback beyond 10 ft, up to 20 ft total | Single business: 40 sq ft per side; Multi-tenant: 85 sq ft per side | — | Minimum 10 ft from property line; additional setback allows added height as stated | 1 per property; up to 2 if more than one frontage | Along SR 532; at least 2 ft from any other sign, building, or structure | — | Unlock | SMC 17.110.080(1)(a)(i)-(vi); 17.110.080(1)(b)(i)(A); 17.110.080(1)(b)(ii)(A); 17.110.080(1)(b)(iii)-(iv) |
| Freestanding Sign (Commercial Streets other than SR 532) | 12 ft base max; may increase 1 ft of height per additional 1 ft of setback beyond 10 ft, up to 15 ft total | Single business: 40 sq ft per side; Multi-tenant: 85 sq ft per side | — | Minimum 10 ft from property line; additional setback allows added height as stated | 1 per property; up to 2 if more than one frontage | On commercial streets other than SR 532; at least 2 ft from any other sign, building, or structure | — | Unlock | SMC 17.110.080(1)(a)(i)-(vi); 17.110.080(1)(b)(i)(B); 17.110.080(1)(b)(ii)(B); 17.110.080(1)(b)(iii)-(iv) |
| Monument Sign | 6 ft (from average ground elevation to top of frame) | 40 sq ft per side | — | ≥ 3 ft from driveways; meet SMC 17.145.130 sight distance | Counts toward freestanding/monument limit of 1 per property (2 if multiple frontages) | Not closer than 3 ft from any driveway; must meet sight distance requirements | — | Unlock | SMC 17.110.080(1)(c)(i)(A)-(C); 17.110.080(1)(c)(ii)(A)-(C) |
| Projecting Sign - Horizontal | — | Max 25 sq ft per side (two-faced required) | Thickness (distance between faces) max 18 inches | At least 1 ft from curbline | 1 per business entry | At least 8 ft above sidewalk/walkway; no more than 2 ft from wall face; at least 1 ft from curbline; at least 15 ft above any driveway, alley, or thoroughfare | — | Unlock | SMC 17.110.080(4)(a)-(d)(i); 17.110.080(4)(b)(i),(iii)-(iv) |
| Projecting Sign - Vertical | — | Max 50 sq ft per side (two-faced required) | Thickness (distance between faces) max 18 inches | At least 1 ft from curbline | 1 per business entry | At least 8 ft above sidewalk/walkway; no more than 2 ft from wall face; at least 1 ft from curbline; at least 15 ft above any driveway, alley, or thoroughfare | — | Unlock | SMC 17.110.080(4)(a)-(d)(i); 17.110.080(4)(b)(i),(iii)-(iv) |
| Blade Sign | — | Max 4 sq ft | Thickness (distance between faces) max 18 inches | At least 1 ft from curbline | 1 per business entry | Hung a minimum of 8 ft above sidewalk/walkway; at least 1 ft from curbline; at least 15 ft above any driveway, alley, or thoroughfare | — | Unlock | SMC 17.110.080(4)(a)-(d)(i)-(ii); 17.110.080(4)(b)(ii)-(iv); 17.110.080(4)(c) |
| A-Board/Portable Sign | 30 to 48 inches when displayed | — | 18 to 30 inches | ≥ 10 ft from driveways/access points | Max 1 per 25 linear feet of frontage; absolute max 2 per business | Not within paved vehicular right-of-way, traffic islands, or crosswalks; not within 10 ft of a driveway or access point; on sidewalks must maintain at least 5 ft clearance on one side | — | Unlock | SMC 17.110.080(5)(a)-(g) |
| Feather Banner Sign | Max 20 ft | Max 40 sq ft | — | ≥ 10 ft from driveways/access points | Max 2 per business | Not within paved vehicular right-of-way; not on traffic islands or crosswalks; not within 10 ft of driveway/access; not on public sidewalks; must not obstruct driveway views for safe ingress/egress | — | Unlock | SMC 17.110.080(6)(a)-(g) |
MR (Multiple-Family Residential) zoning district, TN (Traditional Neighborhood) zoning district
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Along SR 532) | 15 ft base max; may increase 1 ft of height per additional 1 ft of setback beyond 10 ft, up to 20 ft total | Single business: 40 sq ft per side; Multi-tenant: 85 sq ft per side | — | Minimum 10 ft from property line; additional setback allows added height as stated | 1 per property; up to 2 if more than one frontage | Along SR 532; at least 2 ft from any other sign, building, or structure | — | Unlock | SMC 17.110.080(1)(a)(i)-(vi); 17.110.080(1)(b)(i)(A); 17.110.080(1)(b)(ii)(A); 17.110.080(1)(b)(iii)-(iv) |
| Freestanding Sign (Commercial Streets other than SR 532) | 12 ft base max; may increase 1 ft of height per additional 1 ft of setback beyond 10 ft, up to 15 ft total | Single business: 40 sq ft per side; Multi-tenant: 85 sq ft per side | — | Minimum 10 ft from property line; additional setback allows added height as stated | 1 per property; up to 2 if more than one frontage | On commercial streets other than SR 532; at least 2 ft from any other sign, building, or structure | — | Unlock | SMC 17.110.080(1)(a)(i)-(vi); 17.110.080(1)(b)(i)(B); 17.110.080(1)(b)(ii)(B); 17.110.080(1)(b)(iii)-(iv) |
| Monument Sign | 6 ft (from average ground elevation to top of frame) | 40 sq ft per side | — | ≥ 3 ft from driveways; meet SMC 17.145.130 sight distance | Counts toward freestanding/monument limit of 1 per property (2 if multiple frontages) | Not closer than 3 ft from any driveway; must meet sight distance requirements | — | Unlock | SMC 17.110.080(1)(c)(i)(A)-(C); 17.110.080(1)(c)(ii)(A)-(C) |
| Projecting Sign - Horizontal | — | Max 25 sq ft per side (two-faced required) | Thickness (distance between faces) max 18 inches | At least 1 ft from curbline | 1 per business entry | At least 8 ft above sidewalk/walkway; no more than 2 ft from wall face; at least 1 ft from curbline; at least 15 ft above any driveway, alley, or thoroughfare | — | Unlock | SMC 17.110.080(4)(a)-(d)(i); 17.110.080(4)(b)(i),(iii)-(iv) |
| Projecting Sign - Vertical | — | Max 50 sq ft per side (two-faced required) | Thickness (distance between faces) max 18 inches | At least 1 ft from curbline | 1 per business entry | At least 8 ft above sidewalk/walkway; no more than 2 ft from wall face; at least 1 ft from curbline; at least 15 ft above any driveway, alley, or thoroughfare | — | Unlock | SMC 17.110.080(4)(a)-(d)(i); 17.110.080(4)(b)(i),(iii)-(iv) |
| Blade Sign | — | Max 4 sq ft | Thickness (distance between faces) max 18 inches | At least 1 ft from curbline | 1 per business entry | Hung a minimum of 8 ft above sidewalk/walkway; at least 1 ft from curbline; at least 15 ft above any driveway, alley, or thoroughfare | — | Unlock | SMC 17.110.080(4)(a)-(d)(i)-(ii); 17.110.080(4)(b)(ii)-(iv); 17.110.080(4)(c) |
| A-Board/Portable Sign | 30 to 48 inches when displayed | — | 18 to 30 inches | ≥ 10 ft from driveways/access points | Max 1 per 25 linear feet of frontage; absolute max 2 per business | Not within paved vehicular right-of-way, traffic islands, or crosswalks; not within 10 ft of a driveway or access point; on sidewalks must maintain at least 5 ft clearance on one side | — | Unlock | SMC 17.110.080(5)(a)-(g) |
| Feather Banner Sign | Max 20 ft | Max 40 sq ft | — | ≥ 10 ft from driveways/access points | Max 2 per business | Not within paved vehicular right-of-way; not on traffic islands or crosswalks; not within 10 ft of driveway/access; not on public sidewalks; must not obstruct driveway views for safe ingress/egress | — | Unlock | SMC 17.110.080(6)(a)-(g) |
NB (Neighborhood Business) zoning district, DMU (Downtown Mixed-Use) zoning district, GC (General Commercial) zoning district, PI (Planned Industrial) zoning district, GI (General Industrial) zoning district
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Single Business) | 12 ft (commercial streets), 15 ft (SR 532) | 40 sq ft per side | — | Minimum 10 ft from property line; additional height for more setback. | 1 per property; 2 per property with more than one frontage | On property; minimum 10 ft setback from property line | — | Unlock | 17.110.080(1)(b) |
| Freestanding Sign (Multiple Businesses) | Same as single business | 85 sq ft per side | — | Minimum 10 ft from property line | 1 per property; 2 if more than one frontage | On property; minimum 10 ft setback from property line | — | Unlock | 17.110.080(1)(b) |
| Monument Sign | 6 ft (standard), up to 8 ft (design incentive) | 40 sq ft per side (standard); up to 60 sq ft (design incentive) | — | Min 3 ft from driveway; sight distance must be preserved | — | On property, min 3 ft from driveway; below average ground elevation to top of frame | — | Unlock | 17.110.080(1)(c) |
| Projecting Sign (Horizontal) | — | 25 sq ft per side | — | At least 1 ft from curb; at least 15 ft above driveway/alley | 1 per business entry | At least 8 ft above sidewalk; max 2 ft from wall; at least 1 ft from curb; at least 15 ft above any driveway/alley | — | Unlock | 17.110.080(4) |
| Projecting Sign (Vertical) | — | 50 sq ft per side | — | Same as horizontal | 1 per business entry | Same as horizontal | — | Unlock | 17.110.080(4) |
| Blade Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | Min 1 ft from curb | 1 per business entry | Hung a min of 8 ft above sidewalk; max 1 ft from soffit/feature; min 1 ft from curb | — | Unlock | 17.110.080(4) |
| A Board Sign or Portable Sign | 48 in | 18 in to 30 in wide; 30 in to 48 in tall | 30 in | Not within 10 feet of driveway/access, not on vehicular right of way/islands/crosswalks | Max 2 per business | On sidewalk or private property; not within 10 ft of driveway/access point; min 5 ft clearance for access | — | Unlock | 17.110.080(5) |
| Feather Banner Sign | 20 ft | 40 sq ft | — | Not within 10 ft of driveway/access | Max 2 per business | Not on vehicular right-of-way, traffic islands, crosswalks, public sidewalks; not within 10 ft of driveway/access point | — | Unlock | 17.110.080(6) |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Stanwood — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 6 zones for Stanwood — start freeProhibited Signs in Stanwood
- No temporary or permanent sign or other advertising structure shall be inadequately maintained so as to show evidence of deterioration, including peeling, rust, dirt, fading, discoloration, or holes.
- No sign or other advertising structure shall advertise a business or product which is no longer in existence. Such signage shall be removed from the premises within 30 days after close of the business or removal of the product.
- No sign or other advertising structure shall be constructed, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window, or fire escape.
- No sign of any kind shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
- No sign or other advertising structure shall obstruct free and clear vision at any street or driveway intersection.
- No sign or other advertising structure shall interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device because of its position, shape, or color.
- No sign or other advertising structure shall make use of the words 'stop,' 'look,' 'danger' or any other word, phrase, or symbol or character in a manner that interferes with, misleads, or confuses traffic.
- No sign or other advertising structure shall restrict ingress to and egress from any driveway.
- No sign or other advertising structure shall constitute a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate design, construction, repair, or maintenance.
- No sign or other advertising structure shall be illuminated with lights which glare into or upon the surrounding area or any residential premises or distract operators of vehicles or pedestrians on the public right-of-way.
- No sign or other advertising structure shall display any matter in which the dominant theme of the material taken as a whole appeals to a prurient interest in sex, or is patently offensive because it affronts contemporary community standards relating to the description or representation of sexual matters, and is utterly without redeeming social value.
- Signs and other advertising structures shall be designed and constructed to withstand a wind speed of 100 miles per hour and to receive dead loads as required in the latest edition of the International Building Code (IBC) or other relevant codes.
- Vehicular signs and mobile trailer signs are prohibited, except for normal business identification purposes.
- Moving, revolving, rotating, flashing, blinking, or intermittently illuminated signs are prohibited, except for time/temperature/date signs and as specifically permitted in readerboard and electronic signs standards.
- Flags, banners, pennants, balloons, and other related advertising are prohibited except for temporary uses (grand openings, carnivals, etc.), government flags, and limited use of balloons/inflatables under strict conditions.
- Roof signage is prohibited except when authorized by variance.
- Billboards and off-premises signs are prohibited, except for noncommercial authorized signs for public service or community use.
- No permanent sign shall be located on a lot, parcel or easement as the principal use of that lot, parcel or easement.
Exempt Signs in Stanwood
- Temporary signs on private property or public property that meet the requirements for temporary signs.
- Signs attached to the inside of a window which do not exceed 50 percent of the total window area of the business.
- Signs that are integral parts of the historic character of a landmark building or historic district.
- Public signs regulating vehicular or pedestrian traffic or designating or giving direction to streets, schools, hospitals, historic sites, or public facilities.
- Flags of any government or governmental agency or any patriotic, religious, charitable, civic, educational, or fraternal organization not exceeding 40 square feet in area.
- Hand-held signs not set on or affixed to the ground and not exceeding 10 square feet in area.
- Memorial or commemorative plaques or tablets denoting a building name and/or date of construction or a location of historic significance and not exceeding four square feet in area.
- Signs located on baseball field fencing within city parks, no greater than four feet by eight feet, only up during baseball season, and remaining in good condition.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Stanwood
- There is no explicit mention of a required master sign plan or sign plan submission in the ordinance text provided.
- Variance is required for roof signage and for increased sign height or area due to property shape/topography preventing adequate identification.
- Permit applications for signs require four copies of plans showing color, design, lettering, size, etc., as well as structural and wind load information if sign structure is required.
- Modifications to existing signs require a sign modification permit, subject to several conditions including continued validity of the original permit and no alteration to cabinet or connection hardware.
- All illuminated signs and signs with electrical wiring require an electrical permit in addition to the sign permit.
- A building permit is required for all signs that include a sign structure as mandated by the building official.
- Projection/blade signs over public right-of-way require indemnification and public liability insurance documented before permit issuance.
- Applications for banners over or within the public right-of-way require both a sign permit and a temporary encroachment permit, processed according to administrative procedures.
Source: other municipal code