Policies & Procedures

Washington State law requires that anyone planning to dig into the ground — including driving a sign post — must first contact the 811 call-before-you-dig service. This triggers a utility locating process that identifies underground gas, water, electrical, and telecommunications lines near the dig site. Skipping this step can result in serious safety incidents, property damage, and legal liability.

We file the 811 request on every install. It's included automatically and you never need to think about it. However, the process involves placing temporary paint markings or flags on the property, and this is something the agent needs to prepare their seller for.

The 811 process typically takes 2–3 business days from the time we file. We cannot install a sign until clearance is confirmed — this timeline is set by the utility companies, not by us. We'll keep you updated as the clearance comes through.

How the 811 Process Works

1. 1
   Agent books the install via UpSignDown or text Provide the full property address. We file the 811 request the same day we receive your booking.
2. 2
   Agent notifies the seller Let your seller know that utility locating crews may come by and place flags or paint markings on the property within the next 1–3 days. These are temporary and required — sellers should leave them in place until after our install.
3. 3
   Utility companies locate and mark underground lines Each utility (gas, electric, water, telecom) has up to 2 business days to respond. Markings appear as spray paint or small flags on the ground near buried lines.
4. 4
   Clearance confirmed — we schedule the install Once all utilities have responded, we schedule and complete the install. You'll receive a photo confirmation the moment it's done.
5. 5
   Markings fade or disappear on their own Utility paint markings are temporary and water-soluble. Flags are usually removed by the utility crews or can be removed by the homeowner after our install is complete.

Who Is Responsible for What

Once 811 clearance is confirmed, our crew schedules the install and arrives at the property. Here's exactly what happens and what we use.

Method: Spade Shovel & Packed Dirt

We install all sign posts using a spade shovel — a manual, hand-driven method that gives us precise control over placement and depth. We do not use mechanical post drivers or heavy equipment.

The post is set into the ground and the surrounding dirt is packed firmly by hand to ensure the post stands straight and secure. This method leaves a minimal ground footprint, avoids turf damage, and keeps the install clean — no mess, no machine marks, no tire ruts in the lawn.

What to Expect During an Install

1. 1
   Crew arrives at the property No need for the agent or seller to be present. We work independently and handle everything ourselves.
2. 2
   We review the 811 markings on site Our crew checks the utility markings before digging to confirm the chosen post location is clear of all underground lines.
3. 3
   Post hole is dug with a spade shovel We dig to the appropriate depth for the post size, keeping the hole clean and contained.
4. 4
   Post is set and dirt is packed The post is placed, leveled, and the removed dirt is packed back in firmly around the base. No concrete or filler is used — packed native soil is sufficient and makes future removal clean and easy.
5. 5
   Sign panel and any riders are attached The sign panel, and any requested riders (open house, price reduced, etc.) are mounted to the post.
6. 6
   LEDs installed if requested If LED lighting was requested at booking, it's added to the sign during this visit at no additional charge.
7. 7
   Photo confirmation sent We photograph the finished install and send it to you immediately via the UpSignDown app or text. The install is complete.

Removal

Removal is included in the Install + Remove Package. When you're ready, book the removal through UpSignDown or text us. Our crew pulls the post cleanly, packs the small remaining hole, and leaves the lawn tidy. A photo confirmation is sent immediately on completion.

Placement Guidelines

Post placement is at our crew's discretion based on utility clearances, property layout, and street visibility. We aim to place signs in the most visible, compliant location possible. If you have a specific placement preference, include a note when booking and we'll do our best to accommodate it — though safety and compliance always take priority.

We do not install signs on city-owned sidewalk strips, medians, or public right-of-way. Signs must be placed on the seller's private property.

North Shore Sign Co serves a broad stretch of the Puget Sound region — from La Conner in the north down through Seattle and Tacoma to Port Orchard in the south. Our core territory is North Seattle and the communities along the I-5 corridor, with extended coverage reaching further north and south.

How We Define the Coverage Boundary

Our service boundary runs roughly from La Conner in the north to Port Orchard in the south, with the eastern edge following the I-405 corridor. The western boundary follows the Puget Sound shoreline.

For extended and outer-area listings, availability depends on scheduling and routing for that week. These areas are served on a case-by-case basis — we do our best to accommodate them, particularly for agents with multiple listings in the area.

Travel & Out-of-Area Fees

Installs within our core service area are covered at standard pricing. For extended-coverage locations, a travel fee may apply depending on distance from our base in North Seattle. We'll always confirm any additional charges before scheduling — no surprises.

If you have a listing in an outer or unconfirmed area, text us the address. We'll let you know if we can make it work and what the all-in cost would be.