Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

SSB 5761

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Concerning outdoor advertising sign fees, labels, and prohibitions.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators King and Hobbs; by request of Department of Transportation).

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

  • Requires the Washington State Department of Transportation to establish and charge an annual fee of no more than $150 for type 4 and 5 sign permits.

  • Changes the permit size from 16 square inches to 28 square inches.

Hearing Date: 3/20/13

Staff: Alyssa Ball (786-7140).

Background:

By law, the Washington State Department of Transportation's (WSDOT) Outdoor Advertising Control (OAC) program is responsible for conducting surveillance on regulated routes, performing illegal sign abatement activities, issuing and renewing sign permits, assisting with disseminating legal advice through the Office of the Attorney General, and initiating regulatory changes through the WAC rule-making process. There is a one-time $300 permit application fee per sign structure and there is no renewal fee. The WSDOT assigns each permit a separate identification number and the sign owner must fasten a 16-square-inch weatherproof label to each sign.

Type 4 signs are signs located within 12 air miles of the advertised activity. Type 5 signs display a message of specific interest to the traveling public. Only information about public places; natural phenomena; historic sites; areas of natural scenic beauty or outdoor recreation; and places for lodging, camping, eating, and vehicle service or repair are deemed to be of interest to the traveling public.

Summary of Bill:

The WSDOT is required to establish and charge an annual fee for type 4 and 5 signs. The fee must reasonably recover costs for the program and may not exceed $150. The WSDOT also must establish exemptions from payment of the annual fee for signs that do not generate rental income.

The size of the required weatherproof label containing the sign's identification number is changed to 28 square inches.

The RCW 47.42.048, which relates to state and local prohibitions, is repealed due to redundant language.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2014.