City of Edgewood, WA Article III Sign Types

§ 18.97.130 Permanent signs.

Permanent signs shall comply with the sign area, height, number, type, and other requirements of this section and any other applicable sections, as well as the following Table 1 in this section.[1] Sign permits are required for all permanent signs in accordance with EMC § 18.97.260, Sign permits.

Table 1 - Standards for Permanent Signs by Sign Type.
Type	Zone	Number of Signs	Maximum Height (feet)	Maximum Area (sq. ft.)	Setbacks
Accessory Sign (EMC § 18.97.140)	Only allowed in the TC, C, MUR, BP, I, and P zoning districts	1 sign at each vehicle ingress or egress, no more than 4 accessory signs per parcel	Building-mounted max. of 8 ft.; freestanding max. of 3 ft. from grade	3 sq. ft. per sign face; may be double-sided	Flexible, see EMC § 18.97.140
Accessory Sign-Drive Through, Large (EMC § 18.97.140)	Only allowed in the TC, C, MUR, BP, I, and P zoning districts	In addition to other accessory signs, 1 large accessory sign for each point of entry to a drive-up window	5.5 ft., including the associated sign structure	45 sq. ft. per drive-up point of entry	Signs shall be oriented so that the sign face is not visible from vehicles travelling in the public right-of-way
Awning or Canopy Sign (EMC § 18.97.150)	Only allowed in the TC, C, MUR, BP, I, and P zoning districts	1 awning sign for each primary entrance to a tenant space, see EMC § 18.97.150 for secondary entrances	Awning sign cannot be mounted higher than a max. of 25 ft. above the ground floor	On primary elevation, sign shall not exceed 1 sq. ft. of sign per linear foot of awning or canopy width	Cannot project beyond the edges of the awning on which it is displayed. Cannot project above, below, or beyond the edges of the building wall on which it is located.
Building-Mounted Wall Signs (EMC § 18.97.160)	Residential parcels larger than 2 acres in any zoning district	1 per each building facade on an accessory structure, e.g., barn that is parallel to and visible from a street frontage	Shall not project above rooflines or obscure architectural details and may not exceed 70% of the blank wall height	50 sq. ft., but cannot exceed 3% of the area of the facade of building where sign is mounted	Mounted on building that must comply with setbacks
Building-Mounted Wall Signs (EMC § 18.97.160)	In the TC, C, MUR, BP, I, and P zoning districts	1 per each building facade that is parallel to and visible from a street frontage	Shall not project above rooflines or obscure architectural details and may not exceed 70% of the blank wall height	Up to 5% of the area of the facade upon which sign is placed, not to exceed 60% of the width of wall plane or tenant space	Mounted on building that must comply with setbacks
Changeable Copy Signs (EMC § 18.97.170)	In all zoning districts	1 per parcel but 1 additional sign allowed if placed 100 ft. from public right-of-way and other restrictions	15 ft. max.	No more than 20% of the allowed wall sign area or 50% of a freestanding sign may be changeable copy; if at least 100 ft. from streets, may be a max. of 50% of wall sign area	If building-mounted, building must comply with setbacks; if freestanding, sign must comply with setbacks for freestanding signs
Freestanding Signs (EMC § 18.97.180)	MR-2, TC, C, MUR, BP, I, and P zoning districts1	See code — 1 for each site frontage	See code — depending on street frontage, 6 to 15 ft.	See code — depending on street frontage, 20 to 100 sq. ft.	5 ft. from street property line; 25 ft. from any interior side lot line; and 30 ft. from any residential zone
Ground-Mounted or Landscape Wall Signs (EMC § 18.97.190)	Allowed in all zones but not allowed on individual single-family lots	1 per development	5 ft. max. from grade	Between 24 sq. ft. to 32 sq. ft., see EMC § 18.97.190	At least 5 ft. from street property line; 25 ft. from any interior side lot line
Portable Signs (EMC § 18.97.200)	Only allowed in the TC, C, MUR, BP, I, and P zoning districts	1 per business or tenant space	Sandwich board signs, max. of 4 ft. in height; pole-mounted signs, max. of 5 ft. in height	Sandwich board signs, 3 ft. in width; pole-mounted, 2 ft. in width	Must be located no further than 10 ft. from primary building of business; prohibited on public right-of-way without street use permit
Projecting Signs (EMC § 18.97.210)	All zoning districts	1 per tenant space or building frontage, allowed in addition to wall signage	No higher than the first story level of the building; no lower than 8 ft. above the grade of sidewalk, walkway or driveway	Nonresidential zones: cannot exceed 12 sq. ft.; residential zones: face of sign cannot exceed 1.5 sq. ft. in area	Must be attached to building which complies with setbacks, may extend a max. of 4 ft. from building and hung a minimum of 6 inches from building
Service Island Signs (EMC § 18.97.220)	Only allowed in the TC, C, MUR, BP, I, and P zoning districts	1 sign on canopy fascia per street frontage, not to exceed 20% of area of canopy fascia	See building-mounted wall sign requirements	20% of area of canopy fascia to which sign is mounted	Mounted on building that must comply with setbacks
Sign Walker (EMC § 18.97.230)	Only allowed in the TC, C, MUR, BP, and I zoning districts	No limit	Shall not exceed 8 ft. in height when held in place	8 sq. ft. in area	Minimum of 30 ft. from street intersection; prohibited on public property or public right-of-way, in driveways, parking stalls, driving lanes, etc.
Window Sign2 (EMC § 18.97.250)	All zoning districts	No more than 1 permanent window sign per window	No higher than second-story windows for permanent window signs	Shall not exceed 25% of area of window in which sign is displayed	Building in which window sign is displayed must comply with setbacks

Notes:
1.	See EMC § 18.97.240 for temporary freestanding signs which are allowed in residential areas.
2.	Window signs may be permanent or temporary. This table includes the regulations for permanent window signs.

(Ord. 19-552 § 2 (Exh. A); Ord. 25-0687, 8/26/2025)

[1] This table presents the sign standards in an abbreviated format for the reader's convenience. To the extent that there may be a conflict between this table and the text of the code, the text of the code provision relating to the individual sign type shall prevail.

§ 18.97.140 Accessory signs.

No permit shall be issued for an accessory sign which does not comply with the following standards:

A. Zones. Only allowed in the TC, C, MUR, BP, I, and P zoning districts.

B. Number. A maximum of one sign at each vehicle point of entry or egress, not to exceed four accessory signs per parcel.

C. Setback Locations. Flexible; provided, that the number of signs in subsection (B) of this section is not exceeded; and provided, that the signs comply with setback standards for freestanding signs in EMC § 18.97.180.

D. Dimensions. Maximum sign area: three square feet per face; may be double-sided.

E. Height – Mounting Height.

1. Building-mounted wall sign (EMC § 18.97.160): maximum of eight feet; must be flat against a wall of the building.

2. Freestanding sign (EMC § 18.97.180): maximum of three feet from grade.

F. Design. Nonilluminated or internal illumination only. Any accessory sign with electronic display must conform to all digital sign or EMCS standards in EMC § 18.97.110, Digital signs, or EMC § 18.97.120, Electronic message center signs (EMCS).

Figure 12

G. Drive-Through Large Accessory Signs. In addition to the accessory signs allowed for vehicle points of entry and in addition to freestanding signs otherwise allowed under EMC § 18.97.180, large accessory signs are allowed for each point of entry to a drive-up window, subject to the following standards:

1. Maximum Sign Size. Thirty square feet.

2. Maximum Sign Height. Five feet, six inches, including the associated sign structure.

3. Orientation. Large accessory signs must be oriented so that the sign face is not visible from vehicles travelling in any public rights-of way.

4. Screening. All sides of large accessory signs must be screened from the view of vehicles travelling in the public right-of-way with landscaping or walls of brick, stone, or siding materials that match the principal walls of the building to which the sign applies. If landscaping is used for screening, it must provide full screening at maturity and must be large enough at planting to provide at least 70% screening of the sign.

5. Audio. No sound or amplification may be emitted that is audible beyond the site.

(Ord. 19-552 § 2 (Exh. A); Ord. 25-0687, 8/26/2025)

§ 18.97.150 Awning or canopy signs.

No permit shall be issued for an awning or canopy sign which does not comply with the following standards:

A. Zone. Only allowed in the TC, C, MUR, BP, I, and P zoning districts.

B. Number. One awning or canopy sign is allowed for each primary entrance to a building or tenant space. In addition, one awning or canopy sign may be allowed on a secondary entrance which faces a public street or on-site parking area. The awning or canopy sign may only be placed on the ground-floor level facade of the building. Awning or canopy signs shall be included in the calculations for allowable wall signage per facade.

C. Setback Location.

1. An awning or canopy sign may not be mounted higher than a maximum of 25 feet above the ground floor.

2. An awning or canopy sign shall not project above, below, or beyond the edges of the face of the building wall or architectural element on which it is located.

3. No part of the sign, as a part of, or displayed on, the vertical surface of an awning or canopy, shall project beyond the edges of the awning or canopy surface on which it is displayed. If an awning or canopy is placed on multiple store fronts, each business or tenant space is permitted signage no greater than 60 percent of the store width or tenant space.

4. The awning or canopy sign shall not extend horizontally a distance greater than 60 percent of the width of the awning, canopy, or valance on which it is displayed.

D. Dimensions. The sign area on the primary elevation shall not exceed one square foot of sign area per linear foot of awning or canopy width. A maximum of 40 percent of an awning or canopy on which signage is proposed may be of an angle greater than 60 degrees from horizontal.

Figure 13

E. Height. See subsection (C) of this section (Setback Location).

F. Design. If sign letters or logos are backlit or internally illuminated, only the face area containing the letters or logos may be illuminated. The sign may also be externally illuminated as allowed by EMC § 18.97.050.

(Ord. 19-552 § 2 (Exh. A))

§ 18.97.160 Building-mounted wall signs.

No permit shall be issued for a building-mounted wall sign which does not comply with the following standards:

A. Residential. Wall signs are not allowed on residential parcels smaller than two acres in size in any zoning district, except for address numbers as required by law and building identification signs allowed by EMC § 18.97.030.

1. Number. One per each accessory building facade that is parallel to and visible from a street frontage.

2. Setback Location. Permitted on the building wall of an individual building.

3. Dimensions. Total area shall not exceed 100 square feet or three percent of the area of the facade upon which the sign is placed, whichever is less. Width: not to exceed 60 percent of the width of the wall plane upon which the sign is placed.

Figure 14

4. Height. Shall not project above rooflines or obscure architectural details and may not exceed 70 percent of the blank wall height.

5. Design. Nonilluminated only.

B. Nonresidential Zones.

1. Number. One per each building facade that is parallel to and visible from a street frontage.

2. Location on Building. Signs may not cover or obscure architectural details of a building, such as stair railings, windows, doors, decorative louvers or similar elements intended to be decorative features of a building design. Signs must appear to be a secondary feature of the building facade.

3. Dimensions.

a. Area. The total signage area may be up to five percent of the area of the facade upon which the sign is placed.

b. Width. Not to exceed 60 percent of the width of the wall plane upon which the sign is placed or the width of the tenant space.

c. Height. Shall not project above rooflines or obscure architectural details and may not exceed 70 percent of the blank wall height.

4. Size of Parcel or Site. No restrictions.

5. Design.

a. Illumination, Flush- or Tight-Mounted. All individual letter signs shall be installed to appear flush-mounted. If the letters are illuminated and require a raceway, the letters shall be installed tight against the raceway, which shall be painted to match the color of the surface to which the raceway is mounted. Where possible – especially on new construction – the raceway should be recessed to allow letters to be flush with the wall surface.

b. Where more than one sign is allowed for a business, all signs shall be consistent in design, style, color, and method of illumination. Where there are multiple businesses or tenants on a site, all signs shall conform to a master sign plan, consistent with EMC § 18.97.270.

(Ord. 19-552 § 2 (Exh. A))

§ 18.97.170 Changeable copy sign.

No permit shall be issued for a changeable copy sign which does not comply with the following standards:

A. Zones. Changeable copy signs are allowed in all zoning districts, but only as an integral part of a building-mounted wall sign or freestanding sign.

B. Number. No more than one changeable copy sign shall be allowed for each parcel, except that additional changeable copy signs are permitted as follows:

1. The additional changeable copy sign(s) must be placed at least 100 feet from abutting streets or rights-of-way; and

2. The additional changeable copy sign(s) must not exceed the maximum area, height, and quantity standards otherwise applicable to any freestanding or building-mounted wall sign on the parcel.

Figure 15

C. Setback Location. Placement is allowed only as an integral part of a building-mounted wall sign or a freestanding sign. Changeable copy signs that are portable are not permitted.

D. Dimensions. No more than 20 percent of the allowed building-mounted wall sign area if placed less than 100 feet from abutting streets and no more than 50 percent of a freestanding sign face may be changeable copy; however, these size limitations do not apply to signs required by law. Building-mounted wall signs with changeable copy placed at least 100 feet from abutting streets may be a maximum of 50 percent of permitted wall sign area.

E. Height above Grade. Fifteen feet maximum. Building-mounted wall signs are limited to the maximum height for freestanding signs.

F. Design. Nonilluminated in all zones. Internally or indirectly illuminated in nonresidential zones subject to the illumination standards in EMC § 18.97.050.

(Ord. 19-552 § 2 (Exh. A))

§ 18.97.180 Freestanding signs.

No sign permit shall be issued for a freestanding sign that does not comply with the following standards:

A. Zone. Permanent freestanding signs are only allowed in the MR-2, TC, C, MUR, BP, I, and P zoning districts.[1]

[1] Temporary freestanding signs are allowed in all zones, see EMC § 18.97.240.

B. Number.

1. The number and type of freestanding signs for single and multiple-tenant uses are derived from the use, zone, location, and length of development site frontage as described in this section.

2. One individual freestanding sign is allowed per parcel for each street frontage. Multiple shared freestanding signs may be permissible in accordance with the minimum separation distance in subsection (C)(4) of this section, and subject to a master sign plan. Flag lot sites with frontage on a public street are permitted one sign on the frontage providing primary access to the site and may request or apply for a master sign plan with adjoining properties to erect a shared freestanding sign that complies with the street frontage requirements of the properties joined in the master sign plan.

3. Shopping centers, mixed-use developments, adjoining parcel development, or multi-tenant buildings may request or apply for a master sign plan for the comprehensive review of all signs proposed within the site development.

Figure 16

C. Setback and Location.

1. No freestanding sign shall be permitted on any site that does not have street frontage.

2. Freestanding signs shall be set back a minimum of five feet from the street side property line, a minimum of 25 feet from any interior side lot line and a minimum of 30 feet from any residential district.

3. No freestanding sign shall be located in the triangular area(s) measured 15 feet by 15 feet where a driveway enters onto a street, or in any other area which may obstruct the vision of motorists so as to create a safety hazard. Additionally, all signs are subject to the public works standards regarding sight distances.

4. Where more than one freestanding sign is proposed on a site with multiple frontages, a minimum of 150 linear feet shall separate each sign.

Figure 17

D. Dimensions.

1. Maximum sign size and height dimensions are determined based on the property's linear distance of total street frontage and are subject to both the setback and location criteria in subsection (C) of this section and the following requirements:

Individually Permitted Freestanding Signs
Total Street Frontage	Maximum Size	Maximum Height
0 – 60 feet	40 square feet	6 feet
61 – 119 feet	50 square feet	8 feet
120 feet or more	75 square feet	10 feet

Shared Freestanding Signs (approved under a master sign plan)
Total Street Frontage	Maximum Size	Maximum Height
0 – 60 feet	48 square feet	7.5 feet
61 – 119 feet	60 square feet	10 feet
120 feet or more	90 square feet	12 feet

2. An individual freestanding sign may be permitted up to a maximum height of 12 feet and a maximum size of 120 square feet and a shared freestanding sign may be permitted up to a maximum height of 15 feet, in accordance with subsection (D)(2)(c) of this section, and a maximum size of 150 square feet; provided, that all of the following conditions are satisfied:

a. The sign is ground-mounted on a monument-style base, made or covered with brick or stone, which extends at least the full width of the sign face and is at least one-fourth of the total sign height. An alternate material may be approved by the director if he or she finds that the material better reflects the materials and architecture of the closest or principal building on the site;

b. The sign cabinet and the associated trim caps that secure and frame the sign face are dark bronze, black, or an earth tone color that reflects the color of the sign base or the color of the siding or trim of the building to which the sign applies;

c. The sign is no taller than 75 percent of the height of the tallest building on the property or within the master sign plan area, as measured to the midpoint between the fascia line and the ridge on a pitched roof building, or the top of the highest cornice or parapet on a flat roof building; and

d. The sign maintains a setback separation distance of 200 feet from any other freestanding sign on the same property or subject to the same master sign plan.

E. Design. The following design standards apply to freestanding signs:

1. The sign face may be either nonilluminated or externally illuminated. An internally illuminated sign is allowed if the background of the sign is totally opaque and only the graphics, text, or both are illuminated.

2. The permanent sign base shall have a minimum aggregate width of 40 percent of the width of the sign cabinet or face.

(Ord. 19-552 § 2 (Exh. A); Ord. 25-0687, 8/26/2025)

§ 18.97.190 Ground-mounted or landscape wall sign.

No permit shall be issued for a ground-mounted or landscape wall sign which does not comply with the following standards:

Figure 18

A. Zones. Allowed in all zones except residential lots in the R-1 and R-2 zones.

B. Number. Multiple signs are permitted to a maximum of 24 square feet and sign(s) shall not cover more than 40% of the landscape wall’s background area.

C. Setback. Perimeter/screen walls shall be located wholly on private property, comply with setback requirements of the underlying zone, and be located at least five feet from the sidewalk when abutting public right-of-way.

D. Dimensions.

1. Residential subdivisions or multifamily developments: one sign up to a maximum of 24 square feet in area.

2. Nonresidential use in R-1, R-2, MR-1, and MR-2 zoning districts: one sign up to a maximum of 16 square feet in area.

3. Nonresidential use in TC, C, MUR, BP, I, and P zoning districts: one sign up to a maximum of 24 square feet in area.

4. Civic uses in all zoning districts: one sign up to a maximum of 32 square feet.

E. Height. Maximum of five feet above grade. The sign copy shall be a minimum of six inches below the top of the wall and 12 inches above ground level. Signs shall not project above or beyond the top or sides of the landscape wall.

F. Design. Illumination is permitted.

(Ord. 19-552 § 2 (Exh. A; Ord. 25-0687, 8/26/2025))

§ 18.97.200 Portable signs.

No permit shall be issued for a portable sign, sandwich board sign, or pole-mounted sign that does not comply with the following standards:

A. Zone. Allowed only in the MR-2, TC, C, MUR, BP, I, and P zoning districts, except that temporary portable signs are allowed in residential zones, subject to the provisions of EMC § 18.97.240, Temporary signs.

B. Number. Not more than one portable sign may be displayed per business or per tenant space.

C. Location. Must be located no farther than 10 feet from the primary building of the business, or, if there is only one business or tenant space on the site, it may be located not farther than 10 feet from the site’s driveway entrance. No portable sign may be located within, over, or on public right-of-way without a street use permit issued by the city.

D. Dimensions – Size and Height. Sandwich board signs: a maximum of four feet in height as measured in the flat standing position and not the open standing position, and a maximum of three feet in width. Pole-mounted signs: a maximum of five feet in height, and a maximum of two feet in width.

E. Design and Materials. Must be constructed with durable materials that are designed to withstand the natural elements and the effects of water and wind, otherwise they will be regulated as temporary signs under EMC § 18.97.240. Portable signs must be designed to withstand typical prevailing winds and must include a heavy weighted base for pole-mounted signs, and a heavy weight suspended between the opposing faces of a sandwich board sign.

Figure 19

F. Display Hours. Portable signs and temporary portable signs may only be displayed during business operating hours.

G. Type. Portable signs may not be changeable copy signs or illuminated in any manner.

(Ord. 19-552 § 2 (Exh. A); Ord. 25-0687, 8/26/2025)

§ 18.97.210 Projecting signs.

No permit shall be issued for any projecting sign that does not comply with the following standards:

A. Zone. Allowed in all zoning districts.

B. Number. One projecting sign may be allowed per tenant space or building frontage. Projecting signs are permitted in addition to allowable wall signage.

C. Location.

1. No part of any projecting sign shall be located closer than eight feet above the grade of the sidewalk, walkway, or driveway directly below and within three feet of the sign.

2. Projecting signs may extend a maximum of four feet from the building and shall be separated a minimum of six inches away from the building.

3. No projecting sign shall be located within 25 feet of another projecting sign on the same site or on the same building.

4. No projecting sign shall be located higher than the first-story level of the building.

5. No projecting sign shall extend into the public right-of-way to any point within 10 feet of a vehicular travel lane without an approved street use permit issued by the city.

D. Dimensions.

1. Nonresidential Zones. The face of a projecting sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in area.

2. Residential Zones. The face of a projecting sign shall not exceed one and one-half square feet in area.

Figure 20

E. Height. No higher than the first-story level of the building, and a maximum of 25 feet above grade.

F. Design.

1. In nonresidential zones, projecting signs may be illuminated, internally or indirectly. In residential zones, projecting signs may not be illuminated.

2. Projecting signs shall be perpendicular to the building wall to which they are affixed.

3. Projecting signs shall not exceed four inches in thickness.

4. Projecting signs shall be supported by or suspended from solid rods or otherwise tethered or reinforced to avoid movement in wind.

(Ord. 19-552 § 2 (Exh. A); Ord. 25-0687, 8/26/2025)

§ 18.97.220 Service island signs.

No permit shall be issued for a service island sign that does not comply with the following standards:

A. Zone. Allowed only in the TC, C, MUR, BP, I, and P zoning districts.

B. Number and Size.

1. Island Canopies. One sign on the canopy fascia per street frontage, not to exceed 20 percent of the area of canopy fascia to which the sign is mounted.

2. Spandrel Signs and Canopy Support Signs. Spandrel signs shall not exceed 20 percent of the spandrel area, and both spandrel signs and signs attached to canopy support columns shall be deducted from allowable wall signage on the associated principal building on the site.

C. Setback – Location. Mounted on building that must comply with setbacks.

D. Height. Shall not project above rooflines or obscure architectural details and may not exceed 70 percent of the blank wall height.

E. Design. Spandrel signs may be internally illuminated, subject to the illumination standards of EMC § 18.97.050. Signs attached to canopy support columns shall not be illuminated.

(Ord. 19-552 § 2 (Exh. A))

§ 18.97.230 Sign walkers.

Sign walkers are allowed, subject to the following standards:

A. Permit. A permit is not required for a sign walker, but the sign walker shall comply with all applicable requirements of this chapter.

B. Zone. Only allowed in the TC, C, MUR, BP, and I zoning districts.

C. Number. No limit.

D. Location. Sign walkers are restricted to a minimum of 30 feet from a street or driveway intersection, measured from the back of the curb or edge of pavement if no curb exists, and shall not be located in any of the following places:

1. On any public property or within public right-of-way, although sign walkers are allowed on public sidewalks as limited above;

2. In parking aisles or stalls;

3. In driving lanes;

4. On fences, walls, boulders, planters, other signs, vehicles, utility facilities or other structures; or

5. In a manner which results in a sign walker or the sign walker's sign physically interfering with motorists, pedestrians, or bicyclists.

E. Dimensions. The sign walker's sign shall not exceed eight square feet in area, and shall not exceed eight feet in height when held in place.

F. Design. The sign walker's sign cannot be illuminated. Sign walkers shall be limited to daylight hours only. A sign walker's sign may not include any element of a prohibited sign as described in EMC § 18.97.040.

(Ord. 19-552 § 2 (Exh. A); Ord. 25-0687, 8/26/2025)

§ 18.97.240 Temporary signs.

A. No Permit Required – Materials. No sign permit is required for temporary signs that comply with the standards in this section. Temporary signs are primarily distinguished by the materials which make up the sign (see definition of "temporary sign" in EMC § 18.97.300 and EMC § 18.97.060, Sign materials). Temporary signs shall comply with the requirements of this chapter.

B. Removal. Temporary signs shall be removed if the sign is in need of repair, is worn, dilapidated, or creates a public nuisance.

C. City Property (Excluding City Right-of-Way). See EMC § 18.97.020(C). Temporary signs on city-owned property (excluding city right-of-way) are allowed only in conjunction with a city approved and issued special event permit.

D. Residential Zones. Temporary signs may be placed on property residentially zoned in accordance with the requirements of this chapter and the following:

1. Building-/Surface-/Wall-Mounted Signs. Not allowed on properties under two acres in size. For larger parcels, see subsection (F) of this section.

2. Changeable Copy Signs. See applicable sign type.

3. Freestanding Signs (Includes Post-Mounted, Stake-Mounted, and Portable Signs). No more than two on-site freestanding temporary signs may be displayed per site, as follows:

a. Non-Multifamily Properties. Temporary freestanding signs shall not exceed four square feet in size and five feet in height if the sign is mounted on the ground. Temporary freestanding signs shall not exceed three feet in height if the sign is stake-mounted or portable.

b. Multifamily Properties. Temporary freestanding signs shall not exceed six square feet in size and five feet in height if the sign is post-mounted on the ground. Temporary freestanding signs shall not exceed three feet in height if the sign is stake-mounted or portable.

4. Window Signs. Limited to no more than one temporary window sign per residential unit, not to exceed four square feet.

E. Nonresidential or Mixed-Use Properties. Temporary signs are allowed on properties within the TC, C, MUR, BP, and P zoning districts in accordance with the requirements of this chapter and the following:

1. Building-/Surface-/Wall-Mounted Signs.

a. Size. Limited to 40 square feet total per building site, not to exceed 20 square feet per individual sign.

b. Location. Must be flatly affixed to walls below the fascia or parapet line, or flatly affixed to on-site fences only if not visible from public right-of-way. Signs shall not be attached or tethered to other site improvements.

2. Freestanding Signs (Including Post-Mounted, Stake-Mounted, and Portable Signs) – Size and Height. Limited to four square feet in area, and sign cannot exceed five feet in height if the temporary sign is post-mounted in the ground and cannot exceed three feet in height if the temporary sign is stake-mounted or portable. No more than two on-site freestanding temporary signs may be displayed per site.

3. Window Signs. Limited to one temporary sign per window not to exceed 50 percent of the individual window area, and not to exceed 20 percent of the total ground-floor window area on any given facade, subject to the window sign requirements of EMC § 18.97.250.

F. Temporary Signs on Large Properties within Any Zoning District. The following temporary signs may be placed on any site at least two acres in size, in accordance with the requirements of this section and the following:

1. Type. Any type.

2. Size and Height. Not to exceed 64 square feet and up to eight feet above ground level.

3. Exclusivity. The sign allowed under this subsection is in lieu of and shall not be displayed with or be in addition to other temporary signs allowed by this section.

G. City Right-of-Way. Except for governmental signs (EMC § 18.97.030(E)), and unless otherwise authorized by a street use permit, other valid permit, license, or other government approval, temporary signs are prohibited in the public right-of-way adjacent to public property. Temporary signs placed in violation of this section are subject to removal and disposal by the city without notice. The city shall hold signs removed from public right-of-way for a minimum of two weeks before disposing of the sign. Other temporary signs in the public right-of-way (placed outside of the roadway) must comply with the following requirements:

1. Location.

a. Where a sidewalk or pathway exists: Allowed only between the property line and the back edge of the nearest sidewalk or pathway.

b. Where no sidewalk or pathway exists: Allowed only between the property line and a line five feet away from the nearest edge of the roadway pavement.

c. Signs may not be placed on sidewalks, driveways, or other paved areas designed for pedestrian or vehicular use; attached to any public owned improvements or infrastructure within the public right-of-way; or placed within a drainage swale located within the public right-of-way. Approval of the abutting property owner is required.

2. Type. Signs on stakes that can be manually pushed or hammered into the ground are allowed. All other signs are prohibited, unless specifically allowed by a street use permit.

3. Size and Height. Limited to four square feet in area, and no more than three feet in height.

4. Attachments. Signs in the right-of-way may not include attachments such as balloons, streamers, or other attention-getting devices.

(Ord. 19-552 § 2 (Exh. A); Ord. 19-563 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 25-0687, 8/26/2025)

§ 18.97.250 Window signs.

No permit shall be issued for a permanent window sign that does not comply with the following standards:

A. Zone. Allowed in all zoning districts.

B. Number. No more than one permanent window sign may be placed in a single window.

Figure 21

C. Setback – Location. No higher than second-story windows for permanent window signs. For the requirements applicable to temporary window signs, see EMC § 18.97.240.

D. Window Coverage. Window signs, whether temporary or permanent, shall not exceed 25 percent of the area of the window on which they are displayed.

E. Height. No higher than the first-story level of a building, maximum height 25 feet from grade.

F. Design. Permanent window signs are limited to individual painted or vinyl cut-out letters and graphics, or neon signs constructed with or without a solid or opaque background. Permanent signs with solid backgrounds are not permitted in windows in order to ensure maximum light and visibility through windows. Temporary window signs are exempt from the restrictions in this subsection.

(Ord. 19-552 § 2 (Exh. A))