Frequently Asked Questions

Regulations of temporary and permanent signs can be found in Chapter 15.08 of the Bainbridge Island Municipal Code (BIMC).

The following types of signs are prohibited:

1. Billboards, streamers, pennants, ribbons, spinners, or other similar devices.
2. Flashing signs, roof signs, signs containing moving parts or appearing to move, and signs which sparkle or twinkle in the sunlight.
3. Signs advertising or identifying a business which is defunct.
4. Signs, except for traffic, regulatory, or informational signs, using the words “stop,” “caution,” or “danger,” or incorporating red, amber, or green lights resembling traffic signals, or resembling “stop” or “yield” signs in shape or color.
5. Signs mounted on stationary, unlicensed vehicles.
6. Illuminated features, on the exterior of a building, that call attention to the building or product sold within the building.
7. Any window sign(s) exceeding four square feet in area or exceeding 25 percent of an individual window area.
8. Neon signs, except as permitted in BIMC 15.08.100.B.
9. On-premises signs in the natural, conservancy, aquatic conservancy, and aquatic shoreline environments, except for navigation aids and public information.
10. Signs attached or placed on trees, vegetation, or other natural features, except for memorial or species identification labels.
11. Signs on or attached to any utility pole, traffic control device, lamp post, or any other public infrastructure, building, or structure, except bannerets.
12. Any sign placed without the necessary permit or not in accordance with the size, place and manner limitations provided in this chapter.
13. Any sign that:
    • Is structurally, electrically, or otherwise unsafe; or
    • Constitutes a hazard, by design or placement, to public safety and health; or
    • Obstructs free entrance or exit from a door or window that is required to be in place by this code or the City; or
14. Signs placed on sidewalks, driveways, or other improved areas designed for vehicular, bicycle, wheelchair, or pedestrian use, except as conditioned in a right-of-way use permit issued by the City.

Yes, temporary off-site signs are permitted. See the language regarding portable and temporary signs above.

Over time, Bainbridge Island has seen a rise in advertising signs, which prompted a revision of sign regulations. In 2024, the City Council passed new regulations requiring Sandwich Board Signs (also known as A-frames) to be permitted. The fees for the signs assist in knowledge of the number of signs on Bainbridge Island and the cost to regulate them. 

Yes, there is a annual permit fee. A business may register up to three sandwich board signs. The costs for the signs are the following:

1. First Sign: $55.00
2. Second Sign: $200.00
3. Third Sign: $500.00

This means that the total cost of one sign is $55, two signs is $255, and three signs is $755.

You may not exceed three sandwich board signs per business on Bainbridge Island.

No, other types of temporary signs do not require a permit but are restricted in certain circumstances.

Please refer to the section above regarding “Other Temporary Signs” for more information.

Temporary signs are allowed in the right-of-way and do not require a permit. Below is an example of an acceptable directional sign.

You can get a permit for up to 3 sandwich board signs and put them in front of the open house or on any private property that gives you permission.  

If you think your sign might have been picked up because of not following the City temporary sign code, please call 206-842-1212 to inquire if  the sign is in fact being held by the City of Bainbridge Island. Confirmation will take approximately 1-2 business days. You will need to call back a second time after 1-2 business days of your first phone call.

Once you have confirmed that the City does have the sign, you can schedule an appointment to pickup the sign at the City's Operations and Maintenance Facility at 7305 Hidden Cove Road, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110. Pick times are Monday-Thursday, 8:00AM - 3:00PM, and 8:00AM - 2:00PM on Fridays.

If you do not have an appointment, you cannot pick up your sign.

Signs will be stored with the City for up to 90 days.

The City will store signs for up to 90 days. After 90 days, it may be disposed of.