Signs
Seattle Mun. Code § 23.66.160
in effectA. Signs. 1. On-premises signs that comply with the provisions of this Section 23.66.160 are allowed. 2. The following signs are prohibited throughout the Pioneer Square Preservation District: Permanently affixed, freestanding signs (except those used to identify areas such as parks and those authorized for surface parking lots under subsection 23.66.160.C.7); Roof signs; Off-premises signs; Electric signs and signs using video display methods, excluding neon signs; Signs with messages that appear to be in motion; Changing image signs; Signs with flashing, running or chaser lights. 3. The Preservation Board and the Director of Neighborhoods may delegate to the Director the determination whether a proposed sign is a sign prohibited under subsection 23.66.160.A. If the Director determines a proposed sign is a sign prohibited under subsection 23.66.160.A, the Director of Neighborhoods shall not send the application to the Board and shall deny the application. 4. Each owner of an existing off-premises sign that is lawfully authorized in the District shall comply with the requirements in subsection 23.55.014.F to register the sign, pay the registration fee, and display the sign registration number, and is subject to the penalty provisions of that subsection 23.55.014.F. B. To ensure that flags, banners and signs are of a scale, color, shape and type compatible with the Pioneer Square Preservation District objectives stated in Section 23.66.100 and with the character of the District and the buildings in the District, to reduce driver distraction and visual blight, to ensure that the messages of signs are not lost through undue proliferation, and to enhance views and sight lines into and down streets, the overall design of a sign, flag, or banner, including size, shape, typeface, texture, method of attachment, color, graphics and lighting, and the number and location of signs, flags, and banners, shall be reviewed by the Board and are regulated as set out in this Section 23.66.160 . Building owners are encouraged to develop an overall signage plan for their buildings. C. In determining the appropriateness of signs, including flags and banners used as signs as defined in Section 23.84A.036 , the Preservation Board shall consider the following: 1. Signs Attached or Applied to Structures. a. The relationship of the shape of the proposed sign to the architecture of the building and with the shape of other approved signs located on the building or in proximity to the proposed sign; b. The relationship of the texture of the proposed sign to the building for which it is proposed, and with other approved signs located on the building or in proximity to the proposed sign; c. The possibility of physical damage to the structure and the degree to which the method of attachment would conceal or disfigure desirable architectural features or details of the structure (the method of attachment shall be approved by the Director); d. The relationship of the proposed colors and graphics with the colors of the building and with other approved signs on the building or in proximity to the proposed sign; e. The relationship of the proposed sign with existing lights and lighting standards, and with the architectural and design motifs of the building; f. Whether the proposed sign lighting will detract from the character of the building; and g. The compatibility of the colors and graphics of the proposed sign with the character of the District. 2. Wall signs painted on or affixed to a building shall not exceed ten percent of the total area of the façade or 240 square feet, whichever is less. Area of original building finish visible within the exterior dimensions of the sign (e.g., unpainted brick) shall not be considered when computing the sign's area. 3. Signs not attached to structures shall be compatible with adjacent structures and with the District generally. 4. When determining the appropriate size of a sign the Board and the Director of Neighborhoods shall also consider the function of the sign and the character and scale of buildings in the immediate vicinity, the character and scale of the building for which the sign is proposed, the proposed location of the sign on the building's exterior, and the total number and size of signs proposed or existing on the building. 5. Information displayed on the valance of awnings, canopies or marquees shall be limited to identification of the name or address of the building or of an establishment located in the building. 6. Projecting signs and neon signs may be recommended only if the Preservation Board determines that all other criteria for permitted signs have been met and that historic precedent, locational or visibility concerns of the business for which the signing is proposed warrant such signing. 7. Surface Parking Lot Signage. a. The total signage area permitted for each accessory surface parking lot shall not exceed 1 square foot per parking space up to a maximum of 24 square feet per surface parking lot. The total signage area permitted for each existing principal use surface parking lot shall not exceed 1/2 square foot per parking space in the lot, up to a maximum of 18 square feet per principal use surface parking lot. b. Surface parking lots shall display a sign, counted against the total permitted signage area, with one of the following messages, if applicable: 1) For accessory surface parking lots, or portions thereof, intended only for customer use: "Customer Parking for (Principal User/s) Only." The sign also may contain the address of the principal user or users and mention validation of parking, if applicable. The sign also may contain the information required by state law to lawfully impound unauthorized vehicles. 2) For accessory or principal use surface parking lots, or portions thereof, intended only for reserved parking: "Reserved Parking." The sign also may contain the name and telephone number of the owner. The sign also may contain the information required by state law to lawfully impound unauthorized vehicles. c. Small on-premises directional signs, such as those designating the entrance to or exit from accessory surface parking areas, are permitted if they are three or fewer square feet in area and are located at a height four or fewer feet above grade at points of egress or ingress. Such signs shall not count against the total permitted sign area. D. Temporary Signs. 1. The following signs are permitted at all times: a. Real estate "for sale," "for rent" and "open house" signs, and signs identifying the architect, engineer or contractor for work currently under construction. The total area for these types of signs in the aggregate shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet per sixty (60) linear feet of street frontage, provided that the design, location, shape, size, color and graphics are approved by the Department of Neighborhoods Director after review and recommendation by the Preservation Board, and provided further that the Director may approve up to thirty-six (36) square feet if there is more than one user of real estate signs or if the building abuts more than two (2) streets; and b. Noncommercial signs. The total area for noncommercial signs in the aggregate shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet per sixty (60) linear feet of street frontage, but where there are multiple users of the building, each business establishment and dwelling unit shall be allowed a minimum of eight (8) square feet of signage, regardless of the twenty-four (24) square foot limitation. 2. The following signs are permitted for fourteen (14) consecutive days four (4) times a calendar year: a. On-premises commercial signs. The total area for on-premises commercial signs in the aggregate shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet per sixty (60) linear feet of street frontage, provided that the design, location, shape, size, color and graphics are approved by the Department of Neighborhoods Director after review and recommendation by the Review Board; and b. Noncommercial signs. The total area for noncommercial signs in the aggregate shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet per sixty (60) linear feet of street frontage, provided that each dwelling unit shall be allowed thirty-two (32) square feet of signage. 3. All temporary signs authorized by this section are subject to the following: a. Wind-animated objects, search lights and devices of a carnival nature are not allowed. b. No individual sign shall exceed twelve (12) square feet. c. Temporary signs required by law shall be permitted. (Ord. 123589, § 79, 2011; Ord. 120466 , § 7, 2001; Ord. 117555 § 4, 1995; Ord. 116744 § 41, 1993; Ord. 112134 § 1(part), 1985.)
Source: Seattle Municipal Code (Municode library)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_codeFetched: 7/25/2026