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Signs, Signs, Everywhere

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Are you a business owner or manager? A homeowner or tenant? A Tigard resident? You are certainly at least one of these, and so illegal signs affect you. The City of Tigard has a detailed sign code set forth for the protection and beautification of all of Tigard.

Besides improving the City�s appearance, the sign code functions to:

Eliminate clutter by limiting the number and location of signs,
Make legal signs legible and easier to locate by regulating the size and position of signs, and
Provide protection for pedestrians and safety for vehicles by keeping sidewalks, traffic control devices, driveway corner and street corner vision clear of signs.

The number, type, and size of signs permitted is dependent on the zoning of the property, amount of existing signs, and location of the proposed signs. Residential zones are much more restricted in signage to keep the continuity of the neighborhood. Commercial and industrial zones have more allowances due to the nature of the activity within them. Regardless of the zoning, signs are never allowed on the right-of-way property such as streets, sidewalks, traffic poles, utility poles, and much of the landscaped areas next to streets and sidewalks. Most signs require permits before they can be used for display, including A-boards, banners, and balloons. Several different permit options are also available to meet temporary or permanent advertising needs.

The City of Tigard sign code can be viewed on the Internet, under the Tigard Development Code, Section 18.780. It is also available for viewing at the Tigard City Hall and the Tigard Public Library. Tigard staff and volunteers are out 7 days a week looking for illegal signs. Signs in violation are subject to confiscation, tagging with a violation sticker, and court citation with costly potential fines.

If you have a sign you would like to display for business or sale purposes, please do your part. Call the City first at 503-639-4171 to find out how and where to legally display your sign. For new signs, sign permits, placement, and general questions, ask for the Planning Permit Technicians. For enforcement, request Officer Christine Darnell. Persons wanting to help with illegal sign removal or a host of other activities can become one of our valued City volunteers. For volunteer information, please visit the Volunteer Page.