Kent, WA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

Kent's sign code in KCC 15.06.080 treats political (temporary) signs as a permissible exempt category with content-neutral rules consistent with Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015). Political signs may be placed on private property with the property owner's consent during the period beginning 60 days before an election and ending 7 days after the election, though many cities and courts have relaxed the pre-election window. Individual signs in residential zones cannot exceed 6 square feet in area and 5 feet in height; commercial zones allow up to 32 square feet. No permit or fee is required. Political signs in the public right-of-way (parking strips, traffic islands, utility poles, medians) are prohibited under KCC 6.07 and 15.06.050 and are subject to removal by city crews without notice to the candidate. Signs on state highways (SR 167, SR 516, SR 181) are regulated by WSDOT under RCW 47.42 and also cannot be placed in the right-of-way. First Amendment protections prevent Kent from restricting sign content or requiring campaign registration, but the time, place, and manner rules above are enforceable. Signs that create safety hazards by blocking sight lines at intersections can be removed immediately. Contact Kent Code Enforcement at 253-856-5270 for questions about sign placement.