Federal Way vs Seattle
How do political signs rules compare between Federal Way, WA and Seattle, WA?
Federal Way and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Federal Way, WA
King County
Federal Way permits political campaign signs on private property with the owner's consent under FWRC Title 19. No permit is required, but signs in the public right-of-way are prohibited and may be removed by city crews.
View full Federal Way rules →Seattle, WA
King County
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.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Federal Way | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Private Property | Allowed with owner consent | - |
| Residential Size | 6 sq ft max, 5 ft tall | - |
| Right-of-Way | Prohibited, removed by city | Signs prohibited in public right-of-way and on utility poles |
| Permit | Not required | - |
| Permit Required | - | No permit needed for political signs on private property |
| Residential Size Limit | - | 8 square feet per sign face in single-family zones |
| Time Restrictions | - | No specific time limits; may be displayed year-round |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Federal Way FAQ
Can I put a political sign in my Federal Way yard anytime?
Federal Way's sign code allows political signs starting around 60 days before an election, but enforcement is generally permissive on private property year-round. Keep signs under 6 square feet in residential zones.
Why did Federal Way remove my campaign sign from the grass strip?
Signs in the public right-of-way, including the grass strip between sidewalk and curb, are prohibited under FWRC Title 19. City crews remove them without notice to keep traffic sight lines clear.
Seattle FAQ
Do I need a permit for a political yard sign in Seattle?
No, political signs on private property do not require a permit. In single-family residential zones, each sign face is limited to 8 square feet. You may not place signs in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, or on public property.
Can my HOA or landlord prohibit political signs?
Washington state law protects the right to display political signs. While landlords may include reasonable restrictions in lease agreements, outright bans on political signs may face legal challenge. HOAs can impose reasonable placement and size guidelines but generally cannot prohibit political expression entirely.
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