Skagit County, WA Sign Regulations: Freeway-Facing Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Max height
- 60 ft (RFS zone freeway signs)
- Max area
- 168 sq ft
- Spacing between RFS signs
- 660 feet
- Governing section
- SCC 14.29.080(2)(b)
- Eligibility
- tourist-oriented business only
Summary
In unincorporated Skagit County's Rural Freeway Services zone, a tourist-oriented business may put up one freeway-oriented advertising sign under SCC 14.29.080(2)(b), up to 60 feet tall to be visible from the interstate and up to 168 square feet, but new RFS signs must sit at least 660 feet from any other RFS sign.
(b) Tourism-Related Signs in the Rural Freeway Services Zone. One freeway-oriented advertising sign per business may be permitted in the Rural Freeway Services zone; provided, that the business must establish that it is a tourist-oriented business, i.e., that it satisfies a need of the traveling public and that it relies on the traveling consumer for a significant portion of its business. The height of such signs may be up to 60 feet to accommodate viewing from vehicles traveling on the interstate. Rural Freeway Service signs must be no larger than 168 square feet in size. New RFS signs must be distanced at least 660 feet from other existing RFS signs unless lot configuration would preclude reasonable development of a sign on individual lots.
Full Breakdown
080(2)(b) is Skagit County's rule for signs meant to catch the eye of drivers on the interstate. It applies in the Rural Freeway Services (RFS) zone and lets a business put up one freeway-oriented advertising sign, but only if the business can establish it is tourist-oriented, meaning it satisfies a need of the traveling public and relies on the traveling consumer for a significant share of its business. The sign can rise to 60 feet, well above the county's other sign height caps, specifically to accommodate viewing from vehicles traveling on the interstate, and its area is capped at 168 square feet.
To keep RFS zones from filling with competing freeway signage, new RFS signs must be spaced at least 660 feet from any other existing RFS sign, unless the lot's configuration would otherwise preclude any reasonable development of a sign on that parcel. 080(2)(f) extends the identical option to master planned resort developments along four-lane highways or State Route 20. 050(5) and (6), which bar any sign from obstructing a road's sight triangle or being confused with a traffic signal.
Violations & Fines
An oversized, over-height, or improperly spaced freeway sign is enforced under SCC 14.29.040: the Building Official can give the owner 30 days' written notice to bring the sign into compliance, and after that the Director may remove or alter the sign at the owner's expense, with the cost becoming a lien on the property; a sign that poses an immediate hazard can be removed on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any business put up a 60-foot freeway sign in unincorporated Skagit County?
How close together can freeway signs be built?
What if my business is along a four-lane highway but not zoned RFS?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Skagit County
Compare Skagit County to another location·View the Washington sign regulations overview
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