Walla Walla County, WA Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)

WWCC § 17.28.090.A lists prohibited signs countywide, and item 10 targets exactly the window-sign safety concern: 'Signs on doors, windows, or fire escapes that restrict free ingress or egress' are prohibited outright, with no exception for size or business type. This sits alongside the chapter's broader placement rule at § 17.28.010.C, which states that 'Signs are permitted in all zoning districts except for residential districts,' so a retail storefront outside a residential zone can generally use window signage as long as it doesn't block an exit.

Very small identification signage is separately exempt from the chapter's general standards: § 17.28.080.A.1 exempts 'signs not exceeding two square feet in area and bearing only property numbers, post box numbers, names of occupants of premises, professional or announcement signs or other identification of premises not having commercial connotations,' which can cover a small window placard. Projecting or illuminated window displays still have to meet the general standards in § 17.28.010, including keeping any illuminated sign's brightness from becoming a nuisance to surrounding areas. Because this is a Title 17 zoning standard, enforcement runs through WWCC Chapter 14.13: the community development director can issue a notice of violation and order, with a $250-per-day civil penalty for uncorrected noncompliance and a gross misdemeanor, up to 90 days in jail or a $1,000 fine, for willful refusal to correct.