Sign Regulations in Seattle, WA (2026)
4 verified sign regulations for Seattle, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Political Signs
Seattle permits political signs on private property with minimal restrictions under SMC Title 23, consistent with First Amendment protections, with size limits in residential zones but no permit requirement.
Seattle Political Sign Regulations
Few RestrictionsGarage Sale Signs
Seattle allows temporary garage sale signs on private property but prohibits placement in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, and on public property under SMC sign regulations.
Seattle Garage Sale Sign Rules
Some RestrictionsHoliday Displays
Seattle allows seasonal and holiday displays on private property with minimal regulation, treating them as temporary signs or decorations that generally do not require permits unless they involve electrical or structural modifications.
Seattle Holiday Display Regulations
Few RestrictionsDigital Billboards
Seattle's sign code SMC 23.55 bans new off-premises billboards citywide, prohibits digital conversion of existing billboards, restricts on-premises electronic message centers to 8-second hold times in commercial zones, and bans flashing or animated signs in residential areas.
Digital Billboard and Sign Code Limits
Heavy RestrictionsSeattle Municipal Code 23.55 — Sign Code (SDCI)
Sign Code — Our Sign Code, part of our Land Use Code, regulates most permanent signs, awnings, billboards, kiosks, community bulletin boards, and temporary signs. We regulate signs based on the zoning of the property where the sign is located. Sign regulations are different in various zones, so a sign used in one zone may not be allowed in a different zone. Our Sign Code: Defines on-premise and...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Seattle city rules.
Sign Regulations in King County →