FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6208

C 138 L 10

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Concerning temporary agricultural directional signs.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen, Hatfield and Shin).

Senate Committee on Transportation

House Committee on Transportation

Background: The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has established a process by rule for the permitting and fee schedule of, among other types of signs, temporary agricultural directional signs. Temporary agricultural directional signs are restricted to the following provisions:

1. Signs must be posted only during the period of time the seasonal agricultural product is being sold.

2. Signs must not be placed adjacent to the interstate highway system unless the sign qualifies as an on-premise sign.

3. Signs must not be placed within an incorporated city or town.

4. Premises on which the seasonal agricultural products are sold must be within 15 miles of the state highway, and necessary supplemental signing on local roads must be provided before the installation of the signs on the state highway.

5. Signs must be located so as not to restrict sight distances on approaches to intersections.

6. WSDOT must establish a permit system and fee schedule and rules for the manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of these signs in accordance with the policy of this chapter.

7. Signs in violation of these provisions must be removed in accordance with the procedures as a public nuisance.

A sign erected on the state highway right-of-way is considered a public nuisance and may be removed by WSDOT without notice.

Summary: A temporary agricultural directional sign may be placed within the state highway right-of-way if the sign does not create a safety concern. WSDOT must approve the permit within ten days of receiving the application.

Votes on Final Passage: