Gresham, OR Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Citywide window sign cap
- 50% of window area, no permit
- Downtown Plan District cap
- 20% of window area
- Applies to
- Commercial, industrial, institutional uses
- Governing code
- Community Development Code Appendix 6.000
- If exceeded
- Development permit required, § A6.010
Summary
Gresham exempts window signs on commercial, industrial, and institutional properties from a development permit, but only if the signage covers no more than 50 percent of the window area; exceed that and a permit is required.
Window signs in conjunction with a permitted commercial, industrial, institutional use, or, a sales or manager's office associated with a permitted multi-family or PD facility, provided no more than 50 percent of the window area is obscured by signage.
P. Internal institutional campus signs (located within the boundaries of the campus) provided: 1. The sign area shall be no more than 20 square feet.
2. The sign is placed at least 100 feet from the public right-of-way or the campus site boundary. 3. Height of an internal institutional campus sign shall be limited to a maximum of 6 feet above grade. 4. Number: No limit.
TEMPORARY SIGNS A6.060 GENERAL LIMITATIONS Temporary signs are generally prohibited, except as provided by this section. Those temporary signs that are permitted are subject to the following limitations: A. Illumination. No temporary sign shall be internally or externally illuminated.
City of Gresham Development Code
[A6.000]-8
(06/26)
B. Location. No temporary sign shall extend into or over the public right-of-way or the clear vision area. C. Maintenance. Temporary signs shall be kept neat, clean and in good repair. Materials used should not fade, tear, rip or otherwise become unsightly during the period of installation.
Full Breakdown
Under the city's sign code, window signs installed in conjunction with a permitted commercial, industrial, or institutional use, or a sales or manager's office for a permitted multi-family or planned development, don't need a separate development permit, provided the signage obscures no more than 50 percent of the window area. This exemption sits inside the broader list of sign types the city allows without a permit application under Appendix 6.000, Section A6.050. Businesses in the Downtown Plan Design District face a tighter 20 percent cap on window signage under Section 4.1152(B)(6), so downtown storefronts should check that stricter standard before papering their windows.
Violations & Fines
Window signage that exceeds the 50 percent cap loses the permit exemption and requires development permit review; downtown storefronts exceeding the district's 20 percent cap risk removal as a non-conforming sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for window signs in Gresham?
Is the window sign limit different downtown?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gresham
Compare Gresham to another location·View the Oregon sign regulations overview
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Window Signs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Multnomah County handle window signs.