Special exception for signs in commercial and downtown zones
Seattle Mun. Code § 23.55.040
in effectThe Director may authorize exceptions to the regulations for the size, number, type, height and depth of projection of on-premises signs in neighborhood commercial, commercial, downtown office core, downtown retail core, downtown mixed commercial, areas of Pike Market Mixed not located in a Historic District, and downtown harborfront zones as a special exception pursuant to Chapter 23.76 , Procedures for Master Use Permit and Council Land Use Decisions, except that no special exception may be authorized for a sign using video display methods. When one or more of the conditions in subsection 23.55.040.A have been met, the characteristics described in subsection 23.55.040.B shall be used to evaluate the merits of the proposal. Proposals must also meet the intent of the Sign Code as specified in Section 23.55.001 , Intent. An exception shall not be granted for roof signs or signs prohibited in Section 23.55.003 . In downtown zones, the Director shall consult with the Seattle Design Commission before issuance of the special exception decision. A. Conditions. One (1) or more of the following conditions shall be met: 1. The proposed sign plan shows an exceptional effort toward creating visual harmony among signs, desirable streetscape features, building facades and other architectural elements of the building structure through the use of a consistent design theme; 2. The proposed sign plan will preserve a desirable existing design or siting pattern for signs in an area; 3. The proposed sign plan will reduce views of historic landmarks designated by the Landmarks Preservation Board no more than would be permitted by a sign permitted outright without a special exception. B. Desired Characteristics. All the following desired characteristics shall be used to evaluate applications for a special exception, and at least one (1) must be met. The proposed sign(s): 1. Unifies the project as a whole or contributes positively to a comprehensive building and tenant signage plan; 2. Is compatible with the building facade and scale of building in terms of size, height and location; 3. Adds interest to the street level environment, while also identifying upper level businesses; 4. Helps orient pedestrians and motorists at street-level in the vicinity of the subject building; 5. Integrates support fixtures, conduits, wiring, switches and other mounting apparatus into the building architecture to the extent feasible. C. Submittal Requirements. As part of any application for a special sign exception, the following information shall be submitted: 1. A narrative describing how the proposal is consistent with the conditions and desired characteristics listed in subsection A and B of this section, and why the desired results cannot be achieved without a special exception; 2. A colored rendering showing the proposed signs and how they relate to development in the area and on the subject property. (Ord. 124378 , § 61, 2013; Ord. 120466 , § 6, 2001; Ord. 118888 § 2, 1998: Ord. 112830 § 10(part), 1986.)
Source: Seattle Municipal Code (Municode library)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_codeFetched: 7/25/2026