Puyallup Sign Permits & Regulations for Businesses
Planning a new business sign in Puyallup? The city regulates which signs are allowed, whether a permit is required and how large, tall or bright a sign can be. These requirements depend on the sign type, property zoning and, in some cases, an approved master sign plan. Understanding the applicable rules before fabrication can help prevent redesigns, permit delays and unexpected costs.
Do I need a Sign Permit in Puyallup?
Most permanent business signs in Puyallup require a sign permit before they can be installed, constructed, painted, posted or structurally altered. This generally includes facade signs, monument signs, pole signs, and larger electronic signs. Routine maintenance, such as repainting or refacing a legally established sign without increasing its size, generally does not require a new permit. An experienced local sign company can help identify applicable requirements and prepare the drawings and documentation needed for permit review.
Some signs may not require a permit, including:
Permanent signs up to six square feet in nonresidential zones, provided they are no more than four feet high and do not interfere with traffic visibility
Address-identification signs
Window signs covering less than 25% of the window area on each façade
Certain temporary signs that meet the city’s size, height and placement requirements
One monochrome electronic message sign per site measuring no more than six square feet and changing messages no more frequently than once every two seconds
However, these exemptions are subject to change. If you are navigating the permitting process without a signage partner, you should consult with the City of Puyallup before moving forward with signage.
Even when a permit is not required, the sign must still comply with applicable rules governing its size, placement, lighting, safety and zoning district. If a permit is required, Puyallup may request site plans, sign drawings, dimensions, mounting and structural details, illumination information and the property owner’s written consent.
Because the requirements vary by sign type, property zoning and any applicable development or master sign plan, confirm the current requirements with the City of Puyallup before fabricating or installing your sign. A permanent sign permit becomes void if the approved work is not completed within six months of issuance.
Signage Rules for Puyallup Zoning Districts
In Puyallup, WA, there isn’t one universal size limit for every business sign. Signage rules depend heavily on the zoning district. With over 20 distinct zoning districts, it’s important to know the rules that apply to your business before you start planning your signage.
Depending on the zoning district, the code may regulate the permitted sign type, number of signs, maximum area, height, setback and whether electronic messaging is allowed. Certain overlays, planned developments and business parks may also have separate master sign plans that supersede the standard rules.
Know your zoning category before you begin designing a sign for your business. Use the City of Puyallup’s Public Data Viewer to search your business address and find applicable zoning codes or contact the City’s Planning Division at Planning@PuyallupWA.gov.
City Zoning Rules for Popular Signage
Monument Signs
Puyallup has particularly clear rules for monument signs. Unless a more specific zoning provision applies:
A monument sign must generally be at least 5 feet from the public right-of-way
Within a setback area, its maximum height is generally 1 foot of sign height for every 1 foot of setback, up to a maximum of 10 feet
It cannot interfere with required vehicle sight distance or pedestrian access
Must use compatible or high-quality materials
Landscaping may be required
Freestanding and Pole Signs
Pole signs are subject to more complicated requirements and aren’t allowed in some districts at all. In districts where they are permitted, they may generally reach 15 feet at the required setback line, with additional height potentially allowed as the sign is moved farther back. However, the absolute maximum is 36 feet. Freestanding business signage in Puyallup must also display the full address of the property or the applicable address range for a development complex.
Digital Signage
Puyallup does allow electronic message signs in certain zones, but regulates brightness, message frequency, spacing and more. Generally, these signs must be monument-style.
The zoning code says electronic signs:
Can’t flash or blink
Can’t change messages more frequently than once every 2 seconds
Cannot use video or animation
Must have automatic brightness control
Have a max illumination standard of .3 foot-candles above ambient light
Have maximum luminance settings of 5,000 nits during the day and 500 nits at night
Additional rules apply.
Temporary Signs
Standard freestanding temporary signs, including many A-frame/sandwich-board signs, are permitted in all zones when located outside the public ROW, but they generally cannot exceed 8 square feet and 3.5 feet high.
A-Frame/Sandwich Board
Commercial sandwich boards have hours-of-display requirements when they’re in the public ROW. Generally, they’re only allowed while the business is open and cannot be left out overnight.
Banners
Banners in Puyallup must be attached to a building façade, wall, window, or fence and generally can’t exceed 50% of the permitted facade-sign area. Pole-mounted banners are only permitted in specified zones and are limited to 25 sq. feet per pole.
Construction and Real Estate Signs
Property offered for sale or rent may have an additional on-premises temporary sign, beginning with four square feet for the first 10,000 square feet of lot area and increasing based on lot size, up to 32 square feet. An actively constructed property may have one additional construction sign, with a maximum area of 32 square feet in a nonresidential zone.
Common Signage Mistakes to Avoid in Puyallup
Designing signs before understanding the applicable rules and regulations. Installing before getting required approvals and permits. Exceeding height or area limits. Forgetting required address numbers.
Need Help with a Puyallup Sign?
You don’t have to navigate the signage process alone. SignDog helps Puyallup businesses bring their signage projects to life, managing the permit process, design, and signage install. Contact us for a free quote.
