Sign Regulations in Woodinville, Washington
Woodinville, Washington has specific sign regulations covering 19 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Portable Sign (Commercial) (Sandwich Board). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: October 16, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Woodinville, Washington
Sample Sign Requirements in Woodinville
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | Building sign height per WMC 21.44.050(4)(a); cannot protrude above roof silhouette or parapet | 10 sq ft cap (and 8% of facade area) | — |
| Projecting Sign | Projecting signs shall not protrude above lowest point of roof structure | 10 sq ft cap and 8% of facade area applies to building sign face | — |
| Awning Sign | Per building sign height rules | 10 sq ft cap and 8% of facade area applies to building sign face | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for WoodinvilleFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
19
- Wall Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Portable Sign (Commercial) (Sandwich Board)
- Portable Sign (Noncommercial) (Sandwich Board)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Woodinville
Other Cities in Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
In Woodinville, wall signs can be up to Building sign height per WMC 21.44.050(4)(a); cannot protrude above roof silhouette or parapet. 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 Woodinville, 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 Woodinville, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Portable Sign (Commercial) (Sandwich Board), Portable Sign (Noncommercial) (Sandwich Board), 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 Woodinville 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 Woodinville are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Woodinville has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Woodinville, Washington Sign Rules at a Glance
Woodinville, Washington regulates 19 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the Urban Residential-1 (R-1), Urban Residential-4 (R-4), Urban Residential-6 (R-6), Urban Residential-8 (R-8) zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 20 sq ft per sign, with a Minimum 5 ft from closest edge of street right-of-way/easement for sidewalks; cannot occupy parking/loading/walkways/driveways/fire lanes setback (Sec. WMC 21.44.070(1) Table; WMC 21.44.050(7); WMC 21.44.060(2)). Most commercial signs in Woodinville require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Woodinville, Washington
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Woodinville (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Residential-1 (R-1), Urban Residential-4 (R-4), Urban Residential-6 (R-6), Urban Residential-8 (R-8) | 11 | Building sign height per WMC 21.44.050(4)(a); cannot protrude above roof silhouette or parapet | Private property: aggregate sign area ≤32 sq ft per site; Right-of-way: 4 sq ft per sign | — |
| Urban Residential-12 (R-12), Urban Residential-18 (R-18), Urban Residential-24 (R-24), Urban Residential-48 (R-48) | 11 | Private property: 12 ft; Right-of-way: 4 ft | Private property: aggregate ≤32 sq ft per site; Right-of-way: 4 sq ft per sign | — |
| Neighborhood Business (NB), General Business (GB), Office (O), Industrial (I), Tourist Industrial (T/I) | 14 | Per building sign height rules (cannot protrude above roof silhouette/parapet per WMC 21.44.050(4)(a)) | Private property: aggregate ≤64 sq ft/site (no single sign >32 sq ft except building-mounted banner up to 50 sq ft); Right-of-way: 5 sq ft/sign (City-approved banner may be up to 75 sq ft) | — |
| Tourist Business (TB), Central Business District (CBD) | 14 | Per WMC 21.44.050(4)(a) | Private property: aggregate ≤64 sq ft/site; single sign ≤32 sq ft except building-mounted banner ≤50 sq ft; Right-of-way: 5 sq ft/sign; City-approved banner may be ≤75 sq ft | — |
| Public/Institutional (P/I), Parks (P) | 9 | Per WMC 21.44.050(4)(a) | Private property: aggregate ≤64 sq ft/site; single sign ≤32 sq ft except building-mounted banner ≤50 sq ft; Right-of-way: 5 sq ft/sign; City-approved banner may be ≤75 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | If edge <18 in from curb: lowest edge ≥18 ft; if ≥18 in: lowest edge ≥14 ft | Digital display ≤32 sq ft and ≤50% of sign area | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Woodinville(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
Urban Residential-1 (R-1), Urban Residential-4 (R-4), Urban Residential-6 (R-6), Urban Residential-8 (R-8)
| 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 | Building sign height per WMC 21.44.050(4)(a); cannot protrude above roof silhouette or parapet | 10 sq ft cap (and 8% of facade area) | — | — | One building sign per site (total); off-site and right-of-way placement prohibited | On site allowed; off site prohibited; right-of-way prohibited | — | Unlock | WMC 21.44.070(1) Table (Residential); WMC 21.44.050(9)(b), (10)(a), (10)(c) |
| Projecting Sign | Projecting signs shall not protrude above lowest point of roof structure | 10 sq ft cap and 8% of facade area applies to building sign face | No portion of projecting sign extends more than 5 ft from building wall | — | Counts against the one building sign per site limit | Affixed to building wall; on site allowed; off site/right-of-way prohibited | — | Unlock | WMC 21.44.060(1)(b)-(c); WMC 21.44.070(1); WMC 21.44.050(5) |
| Awning Sign | Per building sign height rules | 10 sq ft cap and 8% of facade area applies to building sign face | — | — | Counts against the one building sign per site limit | On site; on building | — | Unlock | WMC 21.44.060(5); WMC 21.44.070(1); WMC 21.44.050(9)(b), (10)(a), (10)(c) |
| Marquee Sign | Lowest edge at least 10 ft above finished grade directly below | — | Marquee structure no wider than entrance it serves plus 4 ft each side; shall not extend closer than 3 ft to curb | — | Counts against the one building sign per site limit | On site; building facade facing street or parking lot | — | Unlock | WMC 21.44.060(6); WMC 21.44.070(1); WMC 21.44.050(10)(a), (9)(b) |
| Freestanding Sign | 6 ft | 20 sq ft per sign | — | Minimum 5 ft from closest edge of street right-of-way/easement for sidewalks; cannot occupy parking/loading/walkways/driveways/fire lanes | One per street frontage per site | On site allowed; off site/right-of-way prohibited | — | Unlock | WMC 21.44.070(1) Table; WMC 21.44.050(7); WMC 21.44.060(2) |
| Portable Sign (Commercial) (Sandwich Board) | 3.5 ft | 6 sq ft per sign | — | — | Prohibited (except as in WMC 21.44.090(4)) | On site allowed; Right-of-way allowed only within the same zoning district as the site it supports and subject to conditions; Off site prohibited | — | Unlock | WMC 21.44.090(2) Table (R-1 through R-48); Special conditions 1; WMC 21.44.040(1)(b), (3) |
| Portable Sign (Noncommercial) (Sandwich Board) | 3.5 ft | 6 sq ft per sign | — | — | Four per lot | On site allowed; Right-of-way allowed within the same zoning district as the site it supports (subject to placement conditions); Off site prohibited | — | Unlock | WMC 21.44.090(2) Table (R-1 through R-48); Special conditions 1; WMC 21.44.040(1)(b), (3) |
| Limited Duration Sign (Noncommercial) | 6 ft for freestanding; building signs per WMC 21.44.050(4) | Private property: aggregate sign area ≤32 sq ft per site; Right-of-way: 4 sq ft per sign | — | — | Private property: no maximum number; Right-of-way: no more than one sign per each advertised event along abutting street frontage of a lot | On site allowed; off site prohibited; right-of-way allowed subject to WMC 21.44.050(1) | — | Unlock | WMC 21.44.090(3)(b) |
Neighborhood Business (NB), General Business (GB), Office (O), Industrial (I), Tourist Industrial (T/I)
| 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 | Per building sign height rules (cannot protrude above roof silhouette/parapet per WMC 21.44.050(4)(a)) | 8% of facade area; up to 12% with WMC 21.44.080 conditions | — | — | One per tenant per building facade (not to exceed two signs per tenant) plus one building sign per building; plus one shingle sign per tenant (max 3 sq ft) | On site allowed; off site prohibited; right-of-way prohibited | — | Unlock | WMC 21.44.070(2) Table; WMC 21.44.050(8); WMC 21.44.080 (Large sign bonus) |
| Projecting Sign | Shall not protrude above lowest point of roof; minimum bottom clearance 8 ft over sidewalks | Subject to 8% of facade rule; may be increased to 12% under 21.44.080 | Max projection 5 ft from wall; outer edge ≥3 ft from curb/shoulder | — | Counts under tenant building sign allowance | On site; building facade | — | Unlock | WMC 21.44.060(1); WMC 21.44.070(2) |
| Marquee Sign | Lowest edge ≥10 ft above finished grade | — | No wider than entrance plus 4 ft each side; ≥3 ft from curb | — | Counts under tenant building sign allowance | On site; building facade facing street or parking lot | — | Unlock | WMC 21.44.060(6); WMC 21.44.070(2) |
| Freestanding Sign | 10 ft; up to 15 ft with large sign bonus if conditions met | 25–75 sq ft by formula; up to 100 sq ft with large sign bonus if conditions met | — | Set back at least 5 ft from closest edge of street right-of-way/sidewalk easement; cannot occupy parking/loading/walkways/driveways/fire lanes | One for each full 250 ft of linear street frontage; minimum one allowed per street frontage per site | On site allowed; off site prohibited (except sites without street frontage per WMC 21.44.050(1)(d)); right-of-way prohibited | — | Unlock | WMC 21.44.070(2) Table; WMC 21.44.080; WMC 21.44.050(7), (10)(b); WMC 21.44.060(2) |
| Portable Sign (Commercial) (Sandwich Board) | 3.5 ft | 6 sq ft per sign | — | — | One per establishment | On site allowed; Right-of-way allowed within adjoining front area including sidewalk; Off site prohibited | — | Unlock | WMC 21.44.090(2) Table (NB, GB, TB, CBD, O row); Special conditions 2; WMC 21.44.040(1)(b), (3) |
| Portable Sign (Noncommercial) (Sandwich Board) | 3.5 ft | 6 sq ft per sign | — | — | One per establishment; plus four per site | On site allowed; Right-of-way allowed within adjoining front area including sidewalk; Off site prohibited | — | Unlock | WMC 21.44.090(2) Table (NB, GB, TB, CBD, and O row) |
| Limited Duration Sign (Commercial) | Same as applicable to permanent building and freestanding signs | 16 sq ft per sign; a banner sign mounted to a building may be up to 50 sq ft | — | — | One per establishment; plus as allowed in WMC 21.44.090(4) | On site allowed; off site prohibited; right-of-way prohibited (with one exception for properties without street frontage) | — | Unlock | WMC 21.44.090(3)(a) Table |
| Street Pole Banner Sign (Director-approved for nonprofit/City events) | If banner edge <18 in from curb: lowest edge ≥18 ft; if ≥18 in from curb: lowest edge ≥14 ft | 12.5 sq ft | 3 ft | — | Up to two per street pole at approved locations | Only at locations approved by Director; other nonresidential zones allowed only if banners promote nonprofit and/or City-sponsored events | — | Unlock | WMC 21.44.060(7) |
Tourist Business (TB), Central Business District (CBD)
| 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 | Per WMC 21.44.050(4)(a) | 8% of facade; up to 12% with WMC 21.44.080 | — | — | One per tenant per building facade (not to exceed two per tenant); plus one building sign per building; plus one shingle sign per tenant (3 sq ft max) | On site allowed; off site prohibited; right-of-way prohibited | — | Unlock | WMC 21.44.070(2); WMC 21.44.080; WMC 21.44.050(8) |
| Projecting Sign | Shall not protrude above lowest point of roof; minimum 8 ft bottom clearance | Subject to 8% facade rule; may increase to 12% per 21.44.080 | Max projection 5 ft; ≥3 ft from curb/shoulder | — | Counts under tenant building sign allowance | On site | — | Unlock | WMC 21.44.060(1); WMC 21.44.070(2) |
| Marquee Sign | Lowest edge ≥10 ft above grade | — | No wider than entrance plus 4 ft each side; ≥3 ft from curb | — | Counts under tenant building sign allowance | On site | — | Unlock | WMC 21.44.060(6); WMC 21.44.070(2) |
| Freestanding Sign | 10 ft; up to 15 ft with bonus | 25–75 sq ft; up to 100 sq ft with bonus | — | 5 ft minimum from street right-of-way/sidewalk easement; avoid obstruction of required areas | One for each full 250 ft of street frontage; minimum one per street frontage per site | On site; off site prohibited except no-frontage exception; right-of-way prohibited | — | Unlock | WMC 21.44.070(2); WMC 21.44.080; WMC 21.44.050(7), (10)(b); WMC 21.44.060(2) |
| Portable Sign (Commercial) (Sandwich Board) | 3.5 ft | 6 sq ft per sign | — | — | One per establishment | On site allowed; Right-of-way allowed within adjoining front area including sidewalk; Off site prohibited | — | Unlock | WMC 21.44.090(2) Table (NB, GB, TB, CBD, O row) |
| Portable Sign (Noncommercial) (Sandwich Board) | 3.5 ft | 6 sq ft per sign | — | — | One per establishment; plus four per site | On site allowed; Right-of-way allowed; Off site prohibited | — | Unlock | WMC 21.44.090(2) |
| Limited Duration Sign (Commercial) | Same as applicable permanent sign types | 16 sq ft per sign; building-mounted banner up to 50 sq ft | — | — | One per establishment; plus allowances in WMC 21.44.090(4) | On site; off site prohibited; right-of-way prohibited except noted | — | Unlock | WMC 21.44.090(3)(a) |
| Street Pole Banner Sign | If edge <18 in from curb: lowest edge ≥18 ft; if ≥18 in: lowest edge ≥14 ft | 12.5 sq ft | 3 ft | — | Up to two per street pole | Permitted only in CBD and TB at locations approved by Director | — | Unlock | WMC 21.44.060(7)(a)-(f) |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Woodinville — 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 Woodinville — start freeProhibited Signs in Woodinville
- No sign may be placed so as to endanger pedestrians, bicyclists, or traffic by obscuring views or by interfering with official traffic signs due to position or color (WMC 21.44.050(1)(a)).
- Abandoned signs are prohibited (WMC 21.44.030(1)).
- Any sign that imitates, resembles, interferes with, or obstructs official traffic lights, signs, or signals is prohibited (WMC 21.44.030(2)).
- Off-premises signs, including billboards, are prohibited except as otherwise permitted by the chapter (see WMC 21.14.060(7) for special billboard provisions) (WMC 21.44.030(3)).
- Signs attached to public trees, streetlights, and utility poles are prohibited, except for noncommercial signs posted by the owning or controlling public agency (WMC 21.44.030(4)).
- Signs in public rights-of-way are prohibited, except as permitted by the chapter (WMC 21.44.030(5)).
- Signs erected or placed without the property owner’s permission are prohibited, except those authorized or required by a local, State, or Federal government (WMC 21.44.030(6)).
- Animated signs, strobe lights, flashing signs, or signs that scroll or flash text or graphics outdoors are prohibited, except as permitted by the chapter (WMC 21.44.030(7)).
- Signs incorporating a strobe or beacon, or signs that lack measures to prevent direct rays of light from shining on nearby properties or streets, are prohibited (WMC 21.44.030(8)).
- Any electronic or animated sign that reacts to the behavior or electronic signals of motor vehicles and is visible from streets or public pathways is prohibited (WMC 21.44.030(9)).
- Any banner or sign suspended across a street or pathway without permission of the property owner or controlling agency is prohibited (WMC 21.44.030(10)).
- Reflective signs, including signs containing mirrors, are prohibited (WMC 21.44.030(11)).
- Inflatable devices or balloon signs, pennant stringers and streamers, and feather flag signs are prohibited, except when used in temporary, noncommercial situations (WMC 21.44.030(12)).
- Signs that emit smoke, visible vapors, particulate matter, sound, odor, or that contain open flames are prohibited (WMC 21.44.030(13)).
- Human-held signs are prohibited, except when used in temporary, noncommercial situations (WMC 21.44.030(14)).
- Signs that exhibit obscenity as defined in Chapter 21.48 WMC are prohibited (WMC 21.44.030(15)).
- Signs that promote illegal activity are prohibited (WMC 21.44.030(16)).
- Any sign determined by the Director to be a hazard to public safety due to its design, materials, physical condition, or placement is prohibited (WMC 21.44.030(17)).
Exempt Signs in Woodinville
- Official traffic signs, public wayfinding signs, and other traffic control devices erected by the City or a public agency are exempt from a sign permit and are not counted toward sign size/number limits (WMC 21.44.040(5)(a)).
- Signs inside a building or other enclosed facility, not intended to be viewed from outside and located more than three feet from exterior windows, are permit-exempt and not counted (WMC 21.44.040(5)(b)).
- Incidental signs (as defined in WMC 21.11A.200) of two square feet or less are permit-exempt and not counted (WMC 21.44.040(5)(c)).
- Holiday and seasonal decorations are permit-exempt and not counted (WMC 21.44.040(5)(d)).
- Legal and public notices by government agencies are permit-exempt and not counted (WMC 21.44.040(5)(e)).
- Vending machine signs integral to the design of the machine are permit-exempt and not counted (WMC 21.44.040(5)(f)).
- Short-term, seasonal point-of-purchase advertising displays are permit-exempt and not counted (WMC 21.44.040(5)(g)).
- Personal expression signs of any type that are noncommercial, not illuminated, and do not exceed five square feet are permit-exempt and not counted (WMC 21.44.040(5)(h)).
- Signs or emblems of religious, civic, philanthropic, historical, or educational organizations that do not exceed five square feet are permit-exempt and not counted (WMC 21.44.040(5)(i)).
- Permanent plaques, cornerstones, nameplates, and similar building identification markings that are integral to the structure, nonilluminated, and four square feet or less are permit-exempt and not counted (WMC 21.44.040(5)(j)).
- Address signs (maximum two per premises) without commercial content are permit-exempt and not counted: up to three square feet each in residential zones and up to 32 square feet each in nonresidential zones (WMC 21.44.040(5)(k)).
- Flags are permit-exempt and not counted if placed outside the public right-of-way, are not a prohibited sign, and are 50 square feet or less; commercial-message flags are limited to on-site business names/logos, one per business/tenant, and 20 square feet; flagpoles may still require a building permit (WMC 21.44.040(5)(l)).
- Security and warning signs are permit-exempt and not counted: in R-1 through R-18 zones up to two square feet; in all other zones one larger sign up to five square feet per site with all other such signs at two square feet; “no trespassing” signs may be up to four square feet in all zones (WMC 21.44.040(5)(m)).
- Historic site markers, plaques, and gravestones are permit-exempt and not counted (WMC 21.44.040(5)(n)).
- Public announcement signs intended for public announcements only, up to six square feet and without commercial messaging, are permit-exempt and not counted (WMC 21.44.040(5)(o)).
- Signs on vehicles or vessels are permit-exempt and not counted if integral to the vehicle/vessel, affixed by magnet/decal/paint or attached, the vehicle/vessel is operational, and it is not a static display (WMC 21.44.040(5)(p)).
- Art and murals without any commercial messaging or commercial imagery (including figurative commercial imagery) are permit-exempt and not counted (WMC 21.44.040(5)(q)).
- Limited duration signs expressly listed as permit-exempt in WMC 21.44.090 are permit-exempt and not counted (WMC 21.44.040(5)(r)).
- Window signs are additional to other signage allowances and are exempt from the requirement to obtain a sign permit (WMC 21.44.060(4)(c)).
- Noncommercial limited duration signs placed on private property with a sign area of 16 square feet or less do not require a sign permit (applies citywide) (WMC 21.44.090(3)(b), “Sign permit requirement”).
- Limited duration real estate, yard sale, and construction signs placed on private property with a sign area of eight square feet or less do not require a sign permit (applies citywide) (WMC 21.44.090(4), “Sign permit requirement”).
- Portable signs that comply with Table 21.44.090(2) are excluded from the determination of the number and area of signs allowed elsewhere (applies citywide) (WMC 21.44.090(2)).
- Other limited duration signs that comply with Tables 21.44.090(3)(a) and 21.44.090(3)(b) are excluded from the determination of sign numbers and area elsewhere (applies citywide) (WMC 21.44.090(3)).
- Real estate, yard sale, and construction signs that comply with Table 21.44.090(4) are excluded from the determination of sign numbers and area elsewhere (applies citywide) (WMC 21.44.090(4)).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Woodinville
- Private wayfinding signs require approval of a wayfinding signage plan pursuant to WMC 21.82.070; both the designated area boundaries and the signage plan must be approved by the Director (WMC 21.44.100(3)(a)(iii)-(iv), 21.44.100(4)).
- Application requirements for a private wayfinding signage plan include: completed application; owner authorization; information on the managing entity; a management narrative (maintenance and establishment changes); a site plan showing area layout, proposed sign locations, types, sizes/heights, design/materials/illumination; and, if within public rights-of-way, a proposed agreement with the City for maintenance/removal; and any other information required by the Director (WMC 21.44.100(4)).
Source: other municipal code