3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Whatcom County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Whatcom County and Bellingham broadly allow political and temporary signs on private property as protected speech. Only official traffic signs belong in the state highway right-of-way, and local sign codes must be content-neutral after Reed v. Gilbert.
WSDOT, Political Signs and State Highways (WAC 468-66)
Only official traffic control signs may be placed in the state highway right-of-way. All other signs are illegal and will be removed by maintenance crews.
Whatcom County communities allow temporary garage-sale signs on private property, but keep them out of the public right-of-way and off utility poles. Take every sign down promptly once the sale ends, or it becomes a code violation.
Whatcom County and its cities let homeowners put up holiday decorations without a permit. Keep displays clear of sidewalks and sight lines, use outdoor-rated wiring, secure inflatables against winter wind, and mind quiet hours and any HOA rules.
1 cities in Whatcom County have their own sign regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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Whatcom County Ordinance Hub →