Are LED Signs Allowed in Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅Yes. EMC signs are allowed in certain zoning districts in Tacoma, including Commercial and Industrial zones. They must comply with size, illumination, and setback requirements. Off-premise EMCs are prohibited, and a variance process exists for cases where full compliance is challenging.
"Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs are permitted in Tacoma’s Commercial and Industrial zones, subject to size, height, setback, and illumination regulations."
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Tacoma Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & ETJ Map – City of Tacoma Zoning & ETJ Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial, Industrial |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Wall, Monument |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌No |
| EMCs allowed in ROW | ❌Not allowed |
| Minimum setback required | Varies by zone |
| Use restrictions | On-premise only |
Zoning District Overview
Tacoma's zoning districts regulate signage based on land use. Commercial and Industrial zones allow EMC signs, subject to the city’s sign regulations.
Zoning-Specific Standards
Commercial Zones:
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Maximum Sign Area: Varies by zone
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Maximum Sign Height: Varies by zone
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Illumination: External illumination only; internal illumination is prohibited
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Setback Requirements: Varies by zone
Industrial Zones:
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Maximum Sign Area: Varies by zone
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Maximum Sign Height: Varies by zone
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Illumination: External illumination only; internal illumination is prohibited
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Setback Requirements: Varies by zone
Permit Filing Requirements
Required Forms:
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Sign Permit Application
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Site Plan
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Sign Elevations
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Structural Engineering Details
Permit Fees: Fees vary; contact the City of Tacoma Planning and Development Services for current rates.
Local Project Example
A local business in a Commercial zone installed a 4x8 EMC sign. The project complied with all setback and height requirements and was permitted within 14 business days.
Full Ordinance Text
Tacoma Municipal Code – Chapter 13.06 – Sign Regulations:
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Section 13.06.090 – Exempt Signs: Certain signs are allowed without a permit, such as window signs or works of art containing no commercial message.
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Section 13.06.100 – Regulated Signs: Signs are categorized as freestanding or wall-mounted and are subject to specific regulations.
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Section 13.06.110 – Nonconforming Signs: Signs erected before current regulations may remain, be repaired, and modified within limits.
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Section 13.06.120 – Sign Variances: Variance requests are allowed for cases where full compliance is challenging, categorized into Level 1 and Level 2 with defined criteria.
8External Reference Links
🗺️ Walls Zoning & ETJ Map
📘 Walls Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal