Signs permits in City of Lakewood: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)

Everything you need to know about pulling a sign permit in City of Lakewood, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Lakewood Community Development..

Look up your City of Lakewood address

Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to City of Lakewood's source.

Permit required?
Always
Permit fee
Sign permit fees are set in the city's fee schedule, plus an electrical sub-permit for an illuminated sign.
Review timeline
Not published by the city

When does a sign need a permit in City of Lakewood?

City sign code (typically Title 22 or 23) governs. Wall, freestanding, projecting, awning, and electronic message signs all require permits. Most cities exempt small temporary residential signs (real-estate, political) under area thresholds (~6 sqft).

From City of Lakewood's own code

“The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts: A. Roof signs . B. Signs posted upon utility poles , traffic control devices, or other public utility devices. C. Signs which, by virtue of their size, location, movement, coloring or manner of illumination, may be confused with traffic control signs or signals. D.”
Source ↗verified 2026-05-02

Required submittals

  • site / elevation plan
  • sign drawing with dimensions + materials
  • structural calc if freestanding
  • electrical detail if illuminated

Inspection sequence

  1. footing if freestanding
  2. electrical rough-in if illuminated
  3. final

Contractor specialties needed

general, electrical-01-or-02

Who can do this work in City of Lakewood?

Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout City of Lakewood and Pierce County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the sign permit with Lakewood Community Development., carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a City of Lakewood sign quote.

Notes & caveats

Issuing body is city building dept (structural review) often with planning sign-off (zoning compliance). Electrical permit required for illuminated signs. Historic-district signs get separate review.

How to apply yourself

  1. 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your City of Lakewood sign — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
  2. 2. Assemble submittals (4).
  3. 3. Submit through the city portal: Lakewood Community Development. ↗
  4. 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
  5. 5. Pay issuance fees (Sign permit fees are set in the city's fee schedule, plus an electrical sub-permit for an illuminated sign.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.

Or have Kolmo do it

We pull sign permits in City of Lakewood every month. We prepare the drawings and submittals, file with Lakewood Community Development., handle reviewer comments, and build the project.

(206) 410-5100

Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured

Signs permits in City of Lakewood — FAQ

When does a sign need a permit in City of Lakewood?

City sign code (typically Title 22 or 23) governs. Wall, freestanding, projecting, awning, and electronic message signs all require permits. Most cities exempt small temporary residential signs (real-estate, political) under area thresholds (~6 sqft).

How much does a sign permit cost in City of Lakewood?

Current fee per the City of Lakewood fee schedule: Sign permit fees are set in the city's fee schedule, plus an electrical sub-permit for an illuminated sign.. Plus ancillary plan-review/tech-surcharge fees per city schedule.

City of Lakewood resourcesPermit portal ↗Fee schedule ↗