FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5123

PARTIAL VETO

                                  C 469 L 87

BYSenate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Hansen, Patterson, Peterson, Conner, Saling, Benitz and Barr)

Revising highway advertising controls.

Senate Committee on Transportation

House Committe on Transportation

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The Highway Advertising Control Act-Scenic Vistas Act, RCW 47.42, controls the placement of signs in areas adjacent to state highways.  The statutory definition of "temporary agricultural directional sign" limits these signs to use for products harvested or produced on the property where the sale is taking place.

Current law does not allow for the signing of regional shopping malls on state highway right of way.  The Department of Transportation does sign other traffic generating private businesses.  Oregon has a program which allows for the signing of regional shopping malls.

Prior to the placement of a "logo" sign on state highway right of way, the business must enter into an agreement with the Department of Transportation limiting any on-premise sign to no more than 15 feet above the main building.

SUMMARY:

The restriction that the agricultural products must be harvested or produced on the land on which the advertised sale is taking place is removed.

Provisions are added which allow directional signs to regional shopping malls placed along the highway right of way.

The Department on a case-by-case basis may waive the on-premise height restriction for signs which are visible from the rural interstate, primary and scenic highway systems.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    45     0

      House 77  15 (House amended)

      House 43   2 (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:July 26, 1987

Partial Veto Summary:  The provisions which allowed the Department of Transportation to waive, on a case-by-case basis, the on-premise height restriction for signs adjacent to the rural interstate, primary and scenic highway systems are vetoed.  (See VETO MESSAGE)