Tacoma's Sign Regulations: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles sign regulations a little differently. In Tacoma, Washington, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Window Signs
Tacoma exempts window signs from sign permits, but they can't cover more than 25% of the window area in commercial and mixed-use zones.
Key details: Coverage cap: 25% of window area. Permit if under cap: Not required (exempt). Applies in: Downtown, commercial, industrial districts. Governing code: TMC § 13.06.090I sign standards.
Exceeding 25% of the window area without a permit is a sign code violation, enforceable through Land Use Code Enforcement (TMC § 13.05.150), which can require the sign brought into compliance or removed.
Holiday Displays
Seasonal decorations displayed on private property are exempt from Tacoma's sign permit requirements under TMC § 13.06.090.I.3.b(7), so homeowners can put up holiday lights and lawn displays without a sign permit.
Key details: Governing section: TMC § 13.06.090.I.3.b(7). Rule: Exempt from sign permit requirements. Where: Private property only. Right-of-way decorations: Separate permit fee under § 2.09.130.E.
Exempt seasonal decorations carry no sign-permit violation exposure on private property. A display that instead functions as a commercial sign, or is installed in the public right-of-way without the § 2.09.130 permit, can be enforced under Chapter 13.05's land-use permit and code-compliance process.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Tacoma gives residents more flexibility on holiday displays.
Digital Billboards
Tacoma bans off-premises digital billboards outright as a prohibited sign type, while allowing smaller on-site electronic message signs under separate brightness, size, and curfew standards.
Key details: Digital billboards: Prohibited citywide. Digital billboard defined: >72 sq ft, off-premises. On-site message signs: Allowed, capped at 30 sq ft. Message-change speed: 12-second minimum interval. Governing code: TMC § 13.06.090.I.3.
Erecting an off-premises digital billboard anywhere in Tacoma violates the prohibited-signs list at § 13.06.090I.3.c; Planning and Development Services can deny the permit or order the sign removed as an illegal sign.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Tacoma actively enforces its digital billboards requirements.
Political Signs
Tacoma treats political signs as temporary signs: capped at two per issue, 4 square feet per side, 3 feet tall, and must come down within 14 days of the event or after six months, whichever is sooner.
Key details: Max signs: 2 per issue or event. Max size: 4 sq ft per side, 3 ft tall. Removal deadline: 14 days after the event. Display cap: 6 months per 12-month period. Attachment ban: No utility poles or trees.
The City or the abutting property owner may remove any temporary sign that blocks sight distance, creates a pedestrian or traffic hazard, or otherwise violates the placement, size, or duration limits.
The Bottom Line
Tacoma's sign regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Tacoma is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on Tacoma's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.