Olympia, WA Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)

OMC 18.43.080.H sets the window sign standards. A window sign can be temporary, such as a poster, or more permanent, such as professional lettering adhered to the window or opaque or semitransparent film with or without graphics or text. Window signs with commercial or noncommercial messages are permitted in the Downtown, Auto Mall, and Business and Corridor Sign Zones. Only noncommercial window signs are permitted in the Residential Sign Zone. No window sign can be animated, meaning flashing, scrolling, or containing movement.

Coverage depends on the sign zone. The Business & Corridor Sign Zone table in OMC 18.43.120 lets up to 35% of the window area be covered with signage, and window signs count toward the total Business Identification signage allowed per business. The Auto Mall Sign Zone temporary sign table allows window signs up to 25% of the window area(s). In the Residential Sign Zone, OMC 18.43.130.D.5 says signs in or on windows shall, in aggregate, not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the area of the window on which they are displayed.

OMC 18.43.080.H.4 gives relief where a traditional building mounted sign is not practical because of window number, size, and placement, or where it would cover architectural features: the City can allow window signage coverage to increase up to the size of building mounted signage that would be allowed. Under H.2, the Community Development Director or the Director's designee can grant a waiver to protect sensitive personal data, such as identity and financial information of bank patrons, or when the Olympia Police Department supports it as a way to reduce crime.

Two related rules matter. Under OMC 18.43.040.A.2, a commercial message sign inside a building but within five feet of a window meant to be viewed from the right of way is not exempt and is treated as window signage. Under OMC 18.43.080.K, window signs are exempt from the sixty day duration limit, and they are not counted toward the one temporary sign at a time when a Temporary Sign Agreement has been filed.