A-Frame & Sidewalk Signs in Tacoma

Custom Sidewalk Signs with In-House Survey & Permitting Support

Capture the attention of passing customers with custom A-Frame and Sidewalk Signs from FASTSIGNS® of Tacoma, WA. We combine sign production with graphic design, project management, and survey and permitting support. Use these portable displays to promote a sale, highlight a daily special, or point visitors toward an entrance.

Also called sandwich board signs, these freestanding displays typically open into an A shape and present graphics to people approaching from one or both directions. Changeable messaging keeps promotions timely and relevant. You can also visit our locally owned and operated Tacoma center to browse a selection of Point of Purchase Signs and graphics.

Bring your storefront message to our team. Call (253) 466-7517 to discuss a custom sidewalk sign and the placement requirements that may apply.

Design, Production, & Permit Support in One Place

Our full-service process covers content development, graphic design, production, project management, and installation when applicable. We can customize A-Frame and Sidewalk Signs in various sizes and shapes to suit your available space and visual brand.

We also consider placement from the start. Through our survey and permitting services, we can identify relevant sign classifications, dimensional limits, and location requirements before your display is put into use. Products and services vary by location, so contact us to discuss the options available for your project.

Tacoma A-Frame Sign Permits & Placement Rules

In most Tacoma commercial areas, a business may have one permitted sidewalk A-frame board on private property. It can’t be placed on a public sidewalk or planting strip and can’t exceed 12 square feet in area or 4 feet in height.

Tacoma also has a separate temporary sign category. These signs can be up to 4 square feet, with a face height no greater than 3 feet, and may be displayed for up to six months within a 12-month period. The applicable standard depends on the property, zoning district, sign design, and intended display period.

Most new or modified sign installations in Tacoma require approval from Planning and Development Services before installation. Real estate and political signs have specific right-of-way provisions, while other portable signs generally belong on private property. Because municipal requirements can change, we can research the rules that apply to your planned sign and location.

How Lakewood Regulates Portable Signs

Lakewood applies different rules to portable and temporary signs. A portable sign may be placed on a sidewalk if at least 48 inches of unobstructed clearance remains, but it can’t be used on a sidewalk narrower than 4 feet.

Temporary signs, including qualifying portable A-frame types, are generally exempt from Lakewood’s standard sign permit requirements when they meet the dimensional standards for the applicable zoning district. Portable displays must also be weighted, temporarily secured, or strategically positioned so high winds don’t carry them away. We can account for these requirements while planning your graphics and sign format.

Ways to Use A-Frame Signs Outside Your Business

A portable sign places a focused message near the point where someone decides whether to enter, ask a question, or make a purchase.

Common applications include:

Restaurants and cafes: Feature daily specials, menu highlights, pickup instructions, or available seating.
Retail stores: Promote sales, seasonal merchandise, new arrivals, or loyalty offers.
Professional offices: Identify entrances, announce hours, or direct visitors through a shared property.
Events and promotions: Mark registration areas, guide attendees, or present a limited-time message.

For a coordinated outdoor display, sandwich board signs can be paired with Restaurant Barriers, Custom Printed Umbrellas, Banners, or Custom Cutouts and Standees. We can create consistent graphics across each piece so the entire campaign shares a clear visual identity.

Choose a Sign Built for Everyday Use

Outdoor sign durability depends on the frame, graphic format, exposure, and daily handling. A-frame displays are generally designed for repeated use, but the right option depends on the setting and expected weather exposure.

Consider these practical details before ordering:

Wind conditions: Ask whether the selected frame can be weighted or temporarily secured at the planned location.
Graphic changes: Changeable insert graphics let you replace a promotion without ordering an entirely new frame.
Daily care: Bring the sign inside when conditions exceed its intended use, and keep the display surfaces clean so the message remains easy to read.
Storage space: Confirm the folded dimensions and identify a protected storage area before choosing a format.

Tell us how and where you plan to use the sign. We can explain the available formats and help you balance visibility, message flexibility, weather exposure, and everyday handling.

Start Your Sidewalk Sign Project

Share where the sign will be used, what it needs to communicate, and how often you expect the message to change. We can coordinate the design, production, and placement considerations to create an on-brand display for your business.

Call (253) 466-7517 or send your project details through our contact form to request a quote from FASTSIGNS® of Tacoma, WA.