Yakima, WA Sign Regulations: Holiday Displays (2026)

There is no specific Yakima ordinance setting a deadline to remove holiday lights or seasonal decorations. The 'Sign' definition in YMC 15.08.020 is tied to identifying or promoting a business, product, service, person or merchandise; ornamental holiday lights, wreaths, snowflakes, inflatables and similar non-message decorations on a residence are generally not 'signs' subject to YMC 15.08. Even when a decoration carries a non-commercial seasonal message (e.g., 'Merry Christmas'), YMC 15.08.010 mandates that the sign code be content-neutral and apply to non-commercial speech under the same temporary-sign rules as YMC 15.08.110(E) — single-family yards may use temporary freestanding signs up to 4 sq ft (5 ft post-mounted, 3 ft stake), and one window sign per unit up to 4 sq ft. Practical limits that still apply to holiday displays: (1) Clear view triangle / parking spaces / driveways — YMC 15.08.110(A) prohibits temporary signs in those locations, and the YMC 15.05.040 sight distance / vision clearance rule applies generally to obstructions in the UAZO. (2) Illumination — YMC 15.08.075(A) prohibits illumination of temporary or portable signs, and prohibits illumination of any sign in a residential zone (except on parcels two acres or larger). External light fixtures must be 'fully shielded' so 'the lamp or light source is not visible beyond the premises' (YMC 15.08.075(B)(1)). (3) Property maintenance — YMC 11.40 (City of Yakima Property Maintenance Code; 2018 IPMC with amendments) at 11.40.302.1 (Sanitation) requires exterior property to be 'maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition' and not constitute a nuisance; deteriorated, hazardous, or fire-risk decorations could be cited. (4) Amplified sound — YMC Chapter 6.04 (Public Peace) and YMC Chapter 9 noise/disturbance provisions plus WAC 173-60 (state Maximum Environmental Noise Levels under RCW 70A.20) limit loud or amplified seasonal music in residential zones (typically 55 dBA daytime / 45 dBA nighttime at the receiving residential property line). (5) HOAs — covenants are enforced privately under the Washington Common Interest Ownership Act (RCW 64.90) for newer communities. Holiday inflatables/signs in the public right-of-way must comply with YMC 15.08.110(D) (stakes-only, ≤ 4 sq ft, ≤ 3 ft, no sidewalks, abutting landowner consent).