Sign Regulations: Residential

Permanent Signs - Permits Required

One permanent sign is allowed for each parcel or lot that is zoned residential. The sign must be located flat against the dwelling, or located no further than four (4) feet from a residence’s footprint. The maximum area of a permanent sign in a residential district is two (2) square feet.

Multifamily or Residential Subdivision Standards:

1. Area. The maximum area of a sign for a multifamily building or subdivision is 32 square feet.
2. Number and type. One freestanding sign is allowed for a subdivision development or a multifamily complex, even if more than one tax lot or ownership is included in the development, except as follows:
   1. If a development has more than one access point, one additional sign may be located at a major public access point located on a different public road.
   2. In the case of (a) above, neither sign may exceed 32 square feet in area.
   3. Individual properties within a subdivision are allowed a sign in accordance with subsections (A) through (C) above.
   4. Height. The maximum height of a multifamily or subdivision sign is five (5) feet.

Commercial and Institutional Uses within Residential Zones:

1. Number. Only one sign is allowed for a development or complex, even if more than one tax lot or ownership is included in the development, except that if a development has more than one access point, one additional sign may be located at a major public access point located on a different public road.
2. Type. The sign may be freestanding or on-building.
3. Area. The maximum sign face area is 32 square feet.
4. Height. The maximum height for a freestanding sign is five (5) feet.
5. Readerboard signs may be incorporated in a freestanding or on-building sign, subject to the limits in 15.32.020(H).

Temporary Signs - Exempt from Permits

Temporary signs are allowed in addition to any permanent sign permitted under this chapter, except as otherwise stated below.

1. Number. A residentially zoned lot or parcel may have two temporary signs (freestanding or on-building), so long as the total combined area of the two signs does not exceed 16 square feet. Additional temporary signs not exceeding six (6) square feet each are permitted if erected not more than 45 days prior to an election and removed within five days following the election; except that one such sign may be up to 16 square feet in area.
2. Height. The maximum height of a freestanding temporary sign is six (6) feet. No on-building temporary sign may extend above the roofline of the building on which it is located.
3. Area. The maximum area of a temporary sign in a residential zone is 16 square feet.
4. Anchoring. Temporary signs must be situated in a manner that prevents the sign from being blown from its location, while allowing the prompt removal of the sign.
5. Duration. A temporary sign may only be displayed for 180 days total in any calendar year for each lot, parcel, or business, or until the event associated with the sign has ended, whichever is earlier.
6. A-Frame Signs. Portable A-frame signs are considered to be temporary signs for purposes of this section. The height of an A-frame sign is limited to three feet and the area to six (6) square feet.