Hillsboro, OR Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Window coverage cap
- 25% per window, non-illuminated
- Applies to
- Non-residential sign districts
- Illuminated sign cap
- 4 sq ft (certain districts)
- Exceeding limit
- Requires a sign permit
Summary
Hillsboro limits non-illuminated interior signs facing a sidewalk or street to covering no more than 25% of an individual window before a sign permit is required, under the city's sign code.
Non-illuminated interior signs in non-residential sign districts designed primarily to be viewed from a sidewalk or street, provided the sign does not obscure more than 25% of an individual window;12.Illuminated interior signs in those sign districts under HMC 11.32.100(B)(2) through (7) and are designed primarily to be viewed from a sidewalk or street, provided the sign area is less than 4 square feet;13.One suspended sign, for each principal use on a property, that:a.Is attached under a first floor awning or canopy upon a building with direct exterior pedestrian access;b.Does not exceed 6 square feet in sign area; andc.Has a minimum of 8 feet of sign clearance.14.Exterior signs erected next to property features such as an entrance, exit, rest room, office door or telephone, provided the sign area is no more than 4 square feet;15.Signs located within a sports stadium, athletic field or other outdoor assembly area that are oriented towards the interior of the field and the viewing stands and intended for viewing by persons within the facility;16.Signs incorporated into vending machines or gasoline pumps;17.Temporary and portable signs except as otherwise required under HMC 11.32.090; or18.Public signs. (Ord. 6097, § 1, 2014)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 1 | Community Development Code: Supplement 1).
Full Breakdown
Under Hillsboro Municipal Code § 11.32.080(B)(11), non-illuminated interior signs in non-residential sign districts that are designed primarily to be viewed from a sidewalk or street are exempt from sign permitting only if the sign does not obscure more than 25% of an individual window. Exceed that 25% coverage and the display no longer qualifies for the exemption, triggering the sign code's permitting and district requirements under HMC § 11.32.040(B). Illuminated interior signs are governed separately, capped at 4 square feet in designated sign districts under § 11.32.080(B)(12).
Violations & Fines
Displaying an interior sign that exceeds the 25% window-coverage exemption without first obtaining the required sign permit is unlawful under HMC § 11.32.040(B) and is enforceable under HMC § 11.32.330.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of my storefront window can a sign cover in Hillsboro?
Do illuminated window signs have a different limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsboro
Compare Hillsboro to another location·View the Oregon sign regulations overview
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Window Signs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Washington County handle window signs.