Richland, WA Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)

Richland's sign code defines a "window sign" at RMC § 27.06.290 as any sign located inside and affixed to, or inside and within three feet of, a window, that remains visible from the exterior of the building. The code splits window signs into two types: a "permanent" window sign (§ 27.06.292) is built from a durable substrate designed to resist fading, chipping or peeling, while a "temporary" window sign (§ 27.06.293) is painted, inked or otherwise applied in a material such as cloth, canvas, vinyl, paper or plywood that is not built to last.

That split matters for permitting: RMC § 27.04.030(B)(4) lists "temporary window signs" among the handful of sign types that need no sign permit at all, alongside real estate and construction signs. The size limit itself sits in the specific-provisions table at RMC § 27.10.020(B): a window sign cannot exceed 15 square feet or 10 percent of the window's glass area, whichever produces the smaller number, and the table lists no separate height, projection, setback or clearance limit for this category because the sign stays inside the glass already behind the building line.

Beyond the size cap, RMC § 27.08.010(B)(4) gives window signs a second advantage: they are not counted toward the maximum number of primary signs a business is allowed, nor toward the permissible sign area calculated for each building facade, so a business can layer window signage on top of its wall or freestanding sign allotment. The sign code administrator, who under RMC § 27.12.010(A) is the community development director or a designee, administers and enforces these limits and can inspect any sign on request.