SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 1691

BYRepresentatives Walk and Grimm

Regulating billboards in commercial and industrial zones.

House Committe on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 23, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Nelson, Vice Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; Bender, Conner, DeJarnatt, Garrett, Hansen, Kiskaddon, McMullen, Owen.

Senate Staff:Mary McLaughlin (786-7309)

                  February 24, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, FEBRUARY 23, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Along primary and Interstate highways, the state's Scenic Vistas Act limits the erection of billboards to areas zoned "commercial or industrial" by county or municipal code, or unzoned areas where there are three or more commercial or industrial activities within a 500-foot length and the area within 500 feet on both sides of the highway.

Commercial or industrial activities along certain segments of state highways are in areas officially zoned "general" by the county or city.  In a recent Pierce County court decision, areas zoned "general use" within the county were determined to be "unzoned".  Therefore, billboards installed in a general-use zone area within the county are legal, as long as three or more commercial or industrial activities are located within the zone.

The spacing between billboards erected along uncontrolled access highways outside the incorporated limits of cities and towns is 500 feet.

SUMMARY:

Billboards are no longer permitted along primary and Interstate highways in general-use zones or in unzoned areas.  The erection of billboards is limited to areas zoned "commercial or industrial".  The spacing between billboards along uncontrolled access highways in incorporated areas is increased to 2,000 feet.  Existing billboards in unzoned or general-use zone areas, and those erected along uncontrolled access highways outside the incorporated limits, are allowed to remain and be maintained as nonconforming signs.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENTS:

It is clarified that billboards are only allowed in commercial and industrial zones.  The increase in the spacing requirement along uncontrolled access highways in unincorporated areas is removed.  The effective date is changed from July 1 to April 1, 1988.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Representative Jean Marie Brough (for); Bob Austin, Ackerly Communications (against); Roger Vongohren, Washington Association of Business (for); Wayne Gruen, DOT