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
SMC 23.55.012 sets Seattle's limits on political and other noncommercial signs. Real estate, contractor, and noncommercial fabric or rigid signs are allowed in every zone at all times up to 8 square feet per lot in neighborhood residential zones and 24 square feet elsewhere, plus up to four extra 14-day display periods a year for banners, balloons, and similar temporary signage.
Seattle Political and Noncommercial Sign Rules
Some RestrictionsSeattle Municipal Code § 23.55.012
A.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 shall be permitted in all zones at all times, provided they are not painted with light-reflecting paint or illuminated. The total area f...
Holiday Displays
Hanging decorative or seasonal string lights on a Seattle street tree is allowed without a permit if the installation doesn't damage the tree or block the sidewalk. But once the lights stay up more than 90 days, or the install or removal affects pedestrian or vehicle movement, SMC 15.43.030(G) requires a Street Use permit from the Department of Transportation first.
Seattle Permits Required For Long-Term Holiday Lighting
Light RestrictionsSeattle Municipal Code § 15.43.030(G)
Decorative or seasonal lighting requires a Street Use permit for use longer than 90 days or if the installation or removal of the lighting impacts mobility.
Digital 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...
Freeway-Facing Signs
SMC 23.55.042 bars new off-premises and business signs within 660 feet of designated scenic freeway sections, including I-5, I-90, the West Seattle Freeway, and SR 520, and within 200 feet of their ramps if visible from the roadway. A narrow list of on-premises business signs is allowed outright; almost everything else needs a discretionary Type I exception.
Seattle Off-Premises Signs Near Freeways
Significant RestrictionsSeattle Municipal Code § 23.55.042
B.Off-premises and Business Signs Prohibited Near Certain Areas. No off-premises sign or business sign shall be erected within six hundred sixty (660) feet outgoing from the nearest edge of the main traveled way of any landscaped and/or scenic view section of a freeway, expressway, parkway or scenic route designated by this subsection and shown on Exhibit 23.55.042 A (Type A sections), and no o...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Seattle city rules.
Sign Regulations in King County →