Snohomish County, WA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Code section
- SCC 30.27.070
- Zone/number limits
- Do not apply
- Sight distance
- Must not obstruct
- Right-of-way rule
- SCC 13.10.050(5)
- Height/lighting
- Must comply
Summary
In unincorporated Snohomish County political signs are exempt from zone bans and number/square-footage limits, but they must not obstruct driver sight distance, must meet right-of-way rules, and must obey height and lighting limits.
No section of this code prohibiting the use of signs within specified zones, or regulating the total number or square footage of signs on a property, shall apply to political signs;
(3) Signs erected upon the right-of-way of any public road shall comply with the requirements of SCC 13.10.050(5);
(4) No political sign is permitted that obstructs sight distance requirements in accordance with the EDDS, for motorists entering or leaving public or private rights-of-way or motorists at intersections; and
(5) Political signs shall comply with any provision of this title regulating the height of signs or the use of moving signs or lighted signs. (Amended by Ord. 18-050, Sept. 5, 2018, Eff date Sept. 17, 2018).
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through legislation passed August 12, 2026).
Full Breakdown
SCC 30.27.070 gives political signs special latitude: no code section prohibiting signs in specified zones or limiting the number or square footage of signs applies to them. Signs must bear the responsible person's or organization's name and address, except political yard signs exempt under RCW 42.17A. Signs in a public road right-of-way must comply with SCC 13.10.050(5). No political sign may obstruct sight-distance requirements for motorists entering or leaving rights-of-way or at intersections, and political signs must obey any provision regulating sign height or the use of moving or lighted signs. Cities within the county apply their own sign codes.
Violations & Fines
Signs that block sight distance or violate right-of-way rules may be removed by the county; illegally placed signs in the right-of-way can be taken down under SCC 13.10.050.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there limits on how many political signs I can post?
Can political signs go in the road right-of-way?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Snohomish County
Compare Snohomish County to another location·View the Washington sign regulations overview
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