SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5152

                    As of January 23, 1995

Title:  An act relating to public highways.

Brief Description:  Changing the definition of "commercial and industrial areas" in the highway advertising control act.

Sponsors:  Senators Hargrove, Owen and Snyder.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  1/24/95.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Jennifer Joly (786-7305)

Background:  The Highway Advertising Control Act prohibits signs that are visible from the interstate, primary, or scenic systems, unless they are either on-premise signs or are located in areas zoned predominantly for commercial or industrial uses.

If a municipality or county has enacted general use zoning, signs visible from the highway may be permitted only in those areas deemed to be zoned for commercial or industrial uses.  The areas must be occupied by three or more separate and distinct commercial or industrial activities within 500 feet of each other.  Additionally, the signs must be located within 500 feet of the commercial or industrial activities.

Summary of Bill:  General use areas that no longer qualify for commercial or industrial uses because of closures attributed to the timer crisis maintain their former status as commercial and industrial areas.  Signs visible from the highway are still permitted in these areas.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 17, 1995.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.