The Lynnwood City Council recently approved new rules allowing businesses to display a temporary banner sign.

The new regulations, which take effect April 25 give businesses the opportunity to display a banner for any of three events: 1) during construction/renovation; 2) for the grand opening; and 3) occasional events such as a holiday sale.

Previously, with few exceptions, banner signs could not legally be displayed.

“We now can enjoy a more-balanced approach toward the regulation of commercial banner signs”, said Mayor Nicola Smith.  “Businesses rely upon banners to announce their special business events, and the City has responded with rules to give businesses the visibility they need, while ensuring our community remains safe and attractive.”

The City is trying to make applying for the required sign permit as inexpensive and simple as possible. The permit fee is $36 ($38 after June), and in most instances, permits for banners can be issued the same day. The size of permitted banners is proportionate to the physical size of the business.

For example, a banner allowed on a big-box retail store may be larger than the banner sign for a neighborhood convenience store.The new rules allow a banner to be hung upon the business’ building. Conversely, banners cannot be strung from light poles or tied to a vehicle. All inflatable signs and balloons remain unlawful in Lynnwood. A sign permit is required before a banner sign can be displayed.

For more information, or to obtain a sign permit, contact the City of Lynnwood’s Permit Center at 425-670-5400 or visit them online at www.ci.lynnwood.wa.us/PermitCenter.