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Seattle, WA Sign Regulations: Holiday Displays (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permit trigger
Lighting left up over 90 days
Also triggers permit
Install/removal impacts mobility
Permitting agency
Seattle Dept. of Transportation (SDOT)
No-damage condition
Must not permanently harm the tree
Max civil penalty
$500 per day, SMC 15.90.018

Summary

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.

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.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 44 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

030(G): decorative or seasonal lighting requires a Street Use permit for use longer than 90 days, or if putting it up or taking it down impacts mobility on the sidewalk or street. 030(B) and the Street Tree Manual's standards. 060, filed within 10 calendar days of the decision. 018(A) of up to $500 per day until the display is brought into compliance or removed.

Violations & Fines

Stringing holiday lights on a street tree without following DOT specifications, or leaving a display up past 90 days, or installing/removing it in a way that blocks the sidewalk or street, without first getting a Street Use permit violates Chapter 15.43. That exposes the installer to citation under Chapter 15.91 and the Title 15 civil penalty of up to $500 per day under SMC 15.90.018(A).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hang holiday lights on the street tree in front of my Seattle house?
Yes. SMC 15.43.020(C)(3) allows decorative or seasonal lighting on a street tree if it's attached in a manner consistent with SDOT specifications and doesn't permanently damage the tree or impact mobility on the sidewalk.
When do Seattle holiday lights need a Street Use permit?
Once the lighting stays installed for longer than 90 days, or if putting it up or taking it down affects pedestrian or vehicle movement, SMC 15.43.030(G) requires a Street Use permit from SDOT before the display goes up.
Who enforces the holiday lighting rule?
SDOT administers Chapter 15.43 through the Director of Transportation, who can require a permit, order lights removed, and refer violations for citation and civil penalties up to $500 per day under SMC 15.90.018.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Seattle

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsDigital BillboardsHeavy RestrictionsPolitical SignsSome RestrictionsFreeway-Facing SignsSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions

All Seattle rules

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