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1. Can a home business store goods, materials, or products outside their home?

No - a home business must be conducted wholly within the home or garage / accessory structure area, with the exception of play equipment related to a home daycare business.

2. Is a permit required for all permanent signs in the city? Is there a cost?

Yes. A sign permit must be obtained to install a new, altered, or relocate a sign. Fees are based primarily on the estimated value of the proposed sign. Any business applying for a sign permit will also need to obtain a City of Lake Forest Park business license.

3. What are the rules for political signs?

Political signs may be placed on public rights-of-way or on private property with permission of the owner. However, they must be situated in such a way so as to not create a traffic or safety hazard. All political signs must be removed within five days following the election.

4. Are businesses allowed to advertise with sandwich board signs?

Sandwich board signs (also known as "A-boards") are allowed only for special events, including sales and grand openings. These signs may not exceed 12 square feet per side, block sidewalks, bike trails, or driveways, and should not be placed in street medians. Balloons, flags, festoons, pennants, and the like may not be attached to any sandwich board sign. Sandwich board signs must be placed on the ground; they cannot be elevated or suspended above the ground.

5. What about real estate properties? Are they allowed to display sandwich board signs?

Yes. Real estate properties are allowed to display one sign per street frontage, not to exceed six square feet and six feet in height. One open house sign per street frontage is also permitted. A maximum of four open house signs are permitted in the right of way between 8:00 am and 7:00 pm for up to two days, given that the signs are not in the way of travel and do not create a traffic or safety hazard. Signs must be removed within five days of the property being closed, leased, or rented, as the case may be.

6. Does the city restrict certain materials from entering my neighborhood?

Yes, The city does not allow any toxic, explosive, flammable, combustible, corrosive, radioactive, or other restricted materials to be stored or used on the site. The city is careful to review this potential problem area.

7. How do I know if the type of business I want to start is allowed in my home?

Please contact the Planning and Building Department by telephone at 206-957-2832.

8. Where can a marijuana business be located?

See the Lake Forest Park marijuana zoning map. Contact the Planning Department if you have any further questions. LFP Marijuana Zoning