Washington city guide
Storefront Signs and Channel Letters for Bellevue Businesses
Bellevue retailers, restaurants and offices can order channel letters and window graphics from our Renton shop next door and have them shipped ready for a licensed installer.
- Sign permitCity of Bellevue, for most new signs
- Sign codeBellevue City Code ch. 22B.10
- Design reviewDowntown and several other districts
- Electrical permitCity of Bellevue (not L&I)
How it works
Ordering a Storefront Sign for Bellevue, WA
Bellevue’s sign code puts more weight on design than most: in Downtown and several other districts, sign permits go through design review to check that the sign fits the building and its surroundings. Plan your letter style, color and lighting with that review in mind.
We build and ship; a local pro installs. Your sign is made, tested and shipped to your door from Washington or California with a wiring diagram and install pattern. A licensed sign installer or electrician in Bellevue, WA mounts and connects it. We don’t have an office or installation crew in Bellevue.
Who can install it
Who Can Connect a Sign in Bellevue
Bellevue follows Washington’s L&I electrician licensing, but issues its own electrical permits and inspections. Your licensed electrical contractor gets the electrical permit from the City of Bellevue rather than from L&I.
| Electrical permits & inspection | City of Bellevue, 450 110th Ave NE (425-452-6800), per L&I’s list |
|---|---|
| Electrician license | Washington L&I certificate covering sign work |
Official sources
Rules change. Always confirm with the office that issues your permit before you order.
Permits
Bellevue Sign Permits and Design Review
A sign permit is required for any new sign except temporary and exempt signs. The code exempts signs of 6 square feet or less (other than subdivision directional signs), and repainting or routine maintenance that doesn’t change the sign. A permit expires if the work isn’t completed within one year of issuance.
Design review applies to sign permits in Downtown, Community Business, Neighborhood Mixed Use, Neighborhood Business, Office Limited Business-Open Space, the BelRed districts (except BR-GC), Eastgate Transit Oriented Development, and transition areas next to residential districts. The City recommends talking to a land use planner before applying.
The City Council adopted a rewritten sign code on June 9, 2026. It takes effect February 1, 2027; until then the current chapter 22B.10 rules above apply. If your permit will be filed near or after that date, confirm the rules with the City before you order.
| Sign code | BCC Chapter 22B.10 |
|---|---|
| Exempt | Signs of 6 sq ft or less (not subdivision directional signs) |
| Permit lasts | One year to complete the work (BCC 22B.10.160) |
| Design review | BCC 22B.10.025, in the districts listed above |
New to sign permits? Read how sign permits work and what your electrician needs.
Official sources
- City of Bellevue: Sign requirements
- Bellevue City Code Chapter 22B.10: Sign code
- City of Bellevue: Sign code update (effective Feb. 1, 2027)
Rules change. Always confirm with the office that issues your permit before you order.
Delivery
Shipping to Bellevue, WA
Standard shipping takes 3–6 business days in transit; 3-day, 2-day and overnight shipping are available at checkout. Every sign is made to order, and the estimated ship date for each shipping speed, including production, is shown at checkout. See shipping options and prices.
Planning for Bellevue weather
Bellevue’s glass-and-metal storefronts often suit halo lit or trimless letters, and many buildings have landlord criteria that specify the style. Rain sealing still matters on every wall penetration.
Popular choices
Popular Choices for Bellevue Storefronts
Clean, modern lit letters that pass design review more easily.
Type 7 – Exposed Acrylic Face Lit / Borderless
Borderless face lit letters with no trimcap.
Starting at $34 $30.60 Per Inch
Type 6 – Inset Acrylic Face Lit / With Border (No Trimcap)
Trimless letters with a clean metal border.
Starting at $34 $30.60 Per Inch
AV 4 – Frosted Vinyl (Etched)
Frosted glass graphics for offices and clinics.
Starting at $14.31 $13.50 per ft2
Questions
Bellevue Storefront Sign FAQ
Does my Bellevue sign need design review?
It does if your business is in Downtown, Community Business, Neighborhood Mixed Use, Neighborhood Business, Office Limited Business-Open Space, most BelRed districts, Eastgate TOD, or a transition area next to housing. Talk to a City land use planner before applying.
Who issues electrical permits in Bellevue?
The City of Bellevue issues its own electrical permits and does its own inspections, so your electrician applies to the City instead of L&I.
Is there a sign shop near me in Bellevue?
Our shop is in neighboring Renton. We make your sign and ship it to your Bellevue address; your licensed installer mounts and connects it. We don’t offer pickup or installation.
Keep reading
Guides and Products
- Custom Channel LettersEvery lit style, priced online
- Channel Letter CostReal prices by style and height
- Sign BuilderDesign and price your sign
- Sign Permit HelpWhat the city and your electrician need
- Installation GuideRaceway vs. direct mount
- Banners & DisplaysGrand opening banners, flags, stands
- Washington State GuideLicensing and statewide rules
Other Washington city guides
Planning a Sign in Bellevue, WA?
Send your storefront photo, logo and your landlord’s sign criteria. We’ll suggest a size and style that fits Bellevue rules and give you a price before you order.
- Mon–Fri, 8:00am–5:00pm PST
- Channel letters made in Washington & California · shipped to all 50 states