While Inauguration Day doesn’t come until January, WSDOT reminds those living adjacent to state highway: it’s time to take down the political signs.
State law requires property owners take down temporary political signs by 10 days following the election. This year, that means Saturday, Nov. 15.
Under the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 468-66, temporary political signs are allowed on private property; and no fee or permit is required. The signs must meet the following requirements:
• Temporary political campaign signs are limited to a maximum size of 32 square feet in area.
• Temporary political campaign signs must be removed within 10 days following the election.
Any signs, other than those used for traffic control, are prohibited within the state right-of-way at all times. WSDOT will remove all illegal roadside signs within the right-of-way.
There are clues in many locations to note the location of the state highway right-of-way:
• Utility poles are typically located inside the right-of-way. If a sign location is being considered between a utility pole and the roadway shoulder, it’s likely the sign will be removed by WSDOT.
• Many locations also have a fence line separating the right-of-way from private property. If a sign location is being considered on the roadway side of a right-of-way fence, it’s probable that the sign is in violation and will be removed.
The best way to determine where a state highway right-of-way boundary lies is to check with local WSDOT regional offices. WSDOT staff will need to know the state route number (I-5, SR 28, U.S. 2, U.S. 97, etc.) and the name of the nearest intersection (or approximate milepost) to check the right-of-way boundaries for a particular highway section.
For questions on roadway signs in your county, contact:
• Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, Grays Harbor, Mason, Thurston and Pierce
Gerald Nelson
PO Box 47440
Olympia, WA 98504-7440
(360) 704-3223
• Whatcom, San Juan, Island, Skagit, Snohomish, and King
Stephen Chick
PO Box 330310
Seattle, WA 98113-9710
(206) 440-4394
• Pacific, Lewis, Wahkiakum, Cowlitz, Clark, Skamania and Klickitat
Curtis Knopp
PO Box 1709
Vancouver, WA 98668
(360) 905-2115
• Okanogan, Chelan, Douglas, and Grant
Pat Arnold
PO Box 98
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509)667-3077
• Kittitas, Yakima, Benton, Franklin, Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield, and
Asotin
Ed Barry
PO Box 12560
Yakima, WA 98909-2560
(509)577-1989
• Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Lincoln, Spokane, Adams, and Whitman
Mary Lloyd
2714 North Mayfair St.
Spokane, WA 99207-2090
(509)324-6029
For more information about outdoor advertising signs, contact Pat O’Leary, Outdoor Advertising Specialist, at (360) 705-7296 or visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/biz/trafficoperations/traffic/billboards.htm.
