Brief Description: Authorizing the use of signs, banners, or decorations over highways under limited circumstances.

Sponsors: Representatives Eickmeyer, Buck, Blake, Upthegrove, B. Sullivan, Chase and Dunshee.

Hearing Date: 1/24/05

Staff: Jay Alexander (786-7339).

Background:

The Washington State Department of Transportation is required to adopt standards and specifications for a uniform system of traffic control devices. These standards provide consistency statewide concerning the display and location of signs, signals, signboards, guideposts, and other traffic devices erected on state highways.

The Department has the authority to prohibit the suspension of signs, banners or decorations
over highways in incorporated areas if they are less than 20 feet from the roadway surface. Similar authority is not provided for unincorporated areas of the state.

Under the Scenic Vistas Act, limitations are placed on the type of signs allowed within view,
or within the right of way, of certain highways. The applicable highways include those designated by the legislature as being part of the scenic highway system.

Summary of Bill:

The Department is permitted to include a standard in the uniform system they adopt allowing signs, banners, or decorations to be placed over a highway when they:

• are in an unincorporated area,
• are placed at least 20 vertical feet above the highway, and
• do not interfere with or obstruct the view of any traffic control device.

The Department of Transportation is directed to adopt rules regulating the placement of allowable signs, banners, and decorations.

An exemption is provided in the State Vistas Act permitting signs, banners, or displays sponsored by local agencies to be allowed on highways subject to the Act. The signs, banners,
or displays may not contain advertising.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.