RCW 47.42.010
Declaration of purpose.
The control of signs in areas adjacent to state highways of this state is hereby declared to be necessary to promote the public health, safety, welfare, convenience and enjoyment of public travel, to protect the public investment in the interstate system and other state highways, and to attract visitors to this state by conserving the natural beauty of areas adjacent to the interstate system, and of scenic areas adjacent to state highways upon which they travel in great numbers, and to insure that information in the specific interest of the traveling public is presented safely and effectively.
[
1961 c 96 s 1
.]
RCW 47.42.020
Definitions.
The definitions set forth in this section apply throughout this chapter.
(1) "Commercial and industrial areas" means any area zoned commercial or industrial by a county or municipal code, or if unzoned or zoned for general uses by a county or municipal code, that area occupied by three or more separate and distinct commercial or industrial activities, or any combination thereof, within a space of five hundred feet and the area within five hundred feet of such activities on both sides of the highway. The area shall be measured from the outer edges of the regularly used buildings, parking lots, or storage or processing areas of the commercial or industrial activity and not from the property lines of the parcels upon which the activities are located. Measurements shall be along or parallel to the edge of the main traveled way of the highway. The following shall not be considered commercial or industrial activities:
(a) Agricultural, forestry, grazing, farming, and related activities, including, but not limited to, wayside fresh produce stands;
(b) Transient or temporary activities;
(c) Railroad tracks and minor sidings;
(d) Signs;
(e) Activities more than six hundred and sixty feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way;
(f) Activities conducted in a building principally used as a residence.
If any commercial or industrial activity that has been used in defining or delineating an unzoned area ceases to operate for a period of six continuous months, any signs located within the former unzoned area become nonconforming and shall not be maintained by any person.
(2) "Department" means the Washington state department of transportation.
(3) "Erect" means to construct, build, raise, assemble, place, affix, attach, create, paint, draw, or in any other way bring into being or establish.
(4) "Interstate system" means any state highway which is or does become part of the national system of interstate and defense highways as described in section 103(d) of Title 23, United States Code.
(5) "Maintain" means to allow to exist.
(6) "Person" means this state or any public or private corporation, firm, partnership, association, as well as any individual or individuals.
(7) "Primary system" means any state highway which is or does become part of the federal-aid primary system as described in section 103(b) of Title 23, United States Code.
(8) "Roadside area information panel or display" means a panel or display located so as not to be readable from the main traveled way, erected in a safety rest area, scenic overlook, or similar roadside area, for providing motorists with information in the specific interest of the traveling public.
(9) "Scenic system" means (a) any state highway within any public park, federal forest area, public beach, public recreation area, or national monument, (b) any state highway or portion thereof outside the boundaries of any incorporated city or town designated by the legislature as a part of the scenic system, or (c) any state highway or portion thereof outside the boundaries of any incorporated city or town designated by the legislature as a part of the scenic and recreational highway system except for the sections of highways specifically excluded in RCW 47.42.025
or located within areas zoned by the governing county for predominantly commercial and industrial uses, and having development visible to the highway, as determined by the department.
(10) "Sign" means any outdoor sign, display, device, figure, painting, drawing, message, placard, poster, billboard, or other thing that is designed, intended, or used to advertise or inform, any part of the advertising or informative contents of which is visible from any place on the main-traveled way of the interstate system or other state highway. "Sign" does not include a display authorized under RCW 47.36.030
(3) promoting a local agency sponsored event that does not include advertising.
(11) "Temporary agricultural directional sign" means a sign on private property adjacent to a state highway right-of-way, or on a state highway right-of-way, to provide directional information to places of business offering for sale seasonal agricultural products on the property where the sale is taking place.
[
2010 c 138 s 1
;
2005 c 398 s 2
;
1993 c 430 s 10
;
1991 c 94 s 1
;
1990 c 258 s 1
;
1987 c 469 s 2
;
1985 c 376 s 2
;
1984 c 7 s 222
;
1977 ex.s. c 258 s 1
;
1974 ex.s. c 80 s 1
;
1971 ex.s. c 62 s 1
;
1961 c 96 s 2
.]
NOTES:
Reviser's note:
The definitions in this section have been alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015
(2)(k).
Legislative findings and intent
—
1990 c 258:
See note following RCW 47.40.100
.
Legislative intent
—
1985 c 376:
"It is the intent of the legislature that state highway information and directional signs provide appropriate guidance to all motorists traveling throughout the state. Such guidance should include the identity, location, and types of recreational, cultural, educational, entertainment, or unique or unusual commercial activities whose principle source of visitation is derived from motorists not residing in the immediate locale of the activity. Such informational and directional signs shall comply with Title 23, United States Code and the rules adopted by the department under RCW 47.42.060
." [
1985 c 376 s 1
.]
RCW 47.42.025
Exclusions from scenic system.
The following sections of the scenic and recreational highway system are excluded from the scenic system as defined in subsection (7) of *RCW 47.42.020
:
(1) Beginning on state route number 101 at the junction with Airport Road north of Shelton, thence north to a point two thousand feet north of Airport Road.
(2) Beginning on state route number 101 at the junction with Mill Creek Road south of Forks, thence north two and four-tenths miles to the Calawah River bridge.
(3) Beginning on state route number 105 at a point one-half mile southwest of the boundary of Aberdeen, thence northeast to the boundary of Aberdeen.
(4) Beginning on state route number 17 at a point nine-tenths of a mile west of Grape Drive in the vicinity of Moses Lake, thence easterly to a junction of Grape Drive.
(5) Beginning on state route number 12 at a point one-half mile south of the south boundary of Dayton, thence northerly to the south boundary of Dayton.
(6) Beginning on state route number 14 one-half mile west of the west boundary of Bingen, thence east to a point one-half mile east of the east boundary of Bingen.
[
1971 ex.s. c 62 s 2
.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note:
RCW 47.42.020
was alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015
(2)(k), changing subsection (7) to subsection (9).
RCW 47.42.030
Signs visible from interstate, primary, or scenic systems restricted.
Except as permitted under this chapter, no person shall erect or maintain a sign which is visible from the main traveled way of the interstate system, the primary system, or the scenic system. In case a highway or a section of highway is both a part of the primary system and the scenic system, only those signs permitted along the scenic system shall be erected or maintained.
[
1971 ex.s. c 62 s 3
;
1961 c 96 s 3
.]
RCW 47.42.040
Permissible signs classified.
It is declared to be the policy of the state that no signs which are visible from the main traveled way of the interstate system, primary system, or scenic system shall be erected or maintained except the following types:
(1) Directional or other official signs or notices that are required or authorized by law including signs with the Crime Stoppers name, logo, and telephone number;
(2) Signs advertising the sale or lease of the property upon which they are located;
(3) Signs advertising activities conducted on the property on which they are located;
(4) Signs, not inconsistent with the policy of this chapter and the national policy set forth in section 131 of title 23, United States Code as codified and enacted by Public Law 85-767 and amended only by section 106, Public Law 86-342, and the national standards promulgated thereunder by the secretary of commerce or the secretary of transportation, advertising activities being conducted at a location within twelve miles of the point at which such signs are located: PROVIDED, That no sign lawfully erected pursuant to this subsection adjacent to the interstate system and outside commercial and industrial areas shall be maintained by any person after three years from May 10, 1971;
(5) Signs, not inconsistent with the policy of this chapter and the national policy set forth in section 131 of title 23, United States Code as codified and enacted by Public Law 85-767 and amended only by section 106, Public Law 86-342, and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the secretary of commerce or the secretary of transportation, designed to give information in the specific interest of the traveling public: PROVIDED, That no sign lawfully erected pursuant to this subsection adjacent to the interstate system and outside commercial and industrial areas shall be maintained by any person after three years from May 10, 1971;
(6) Signs lawfully in existence on October 22, 1965, determined by the commission, subject to the approval of the United States secretary of transportation, to be landmark signs, including signs on farm structures or natural surfaces, of historic or artistic significance the preservation of which would be consistent with the purposes of chapter
47.42
RCW;
(7) Public service signs, located on school bus stop shelters, which:
(a) Identify the donor, sponsor, or contributor of said shelters;
(b) Contain safety slogans or messages which occupy not less than sixty percent of the area of the sign;
(c) Contain no other message;
(d) Are located on school bus shelters which are authorized or approved by city, county, or state law, regulation, or ordinance, and at places approved by the city, county, or state agency controlling the highway involved; and
(e) Do not exceed thirty-two square feet in area. Not more than one sign on each shelter may face in any one direction.
Subsection (7) of this section notwithstanding, the department of transportation shall adopt regulations relating to the appearance of school bus shelters, the placement, size, and public service content of public service signs located thereon, and the prominence of the identification of the donors, sponsors, or contributors of the shelters;
(8) Temporary agricultural directional signs, with the following restrictions:
(a) Signs shall be posted only during the period of time the seasonal agricultural product is being sold;
(b) Signs shall not be placed adjacent to the interstate highway system unless the sign qualifies as an on-premise [on-premises] sign;
(c) Signs shall not be placed within an incorporated city or town;
(d) Premises on which the seasonal agricultural products are sold must be within fifteen 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;
(e) Signs must be located so as not to restrict sight distances on approaches to intersections;
(f) The department shall 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;
(g) Signs in violation of these provisions shall be removed in accordance with the procedures in RCW 47.42.080
;
Only signs of types 1, 2, 3, 7, and 8 may be erected or maintained within view of the scenic system. Signs of types 7 and 8 may also be erected or maintained within view of the federal aid primary system.
[
2001 c 107 s 1
;
1991 c 94 s 2
;
1990 c 258 s 2
;
1985 c 376 s 3
;
1979 c 69 s 1
;
1975 1st ex.s. c 271 s 1
;
1971 ex.s. c 62 s 4
;
1961 c 96 s 4
.]
NOTES:
Legislative findings and intent
—
1990 c 258:
See note following RCW 47.40.100
.
Legislative intent
—
1985 c 376:
See note following RCW 47.42.020
.
RCW 47.42.045
Number of signs
—
Spacing
—
Tourist facility, business or agricultural signs.
(1) Not more than one type 3 sign visible to traffic proceeding in any one direction on an interstate system, primary system outside an incorporated city or town or commercial or industrial area, or scenic system highway may be permitted more than fifty feet from the advertised activity;
(2) A type 3 sign, other than one along any portion of the primary system within an incorporated city or town or within any commercial or industrial area, permitted more than fifty feet from the advertised activity pursuant to subsection (1) of this section shall not be erected or maintained a greater distance from the advertised activity than one of the following options selected by the owner of the business being advertised:
(a) One hundred fifty feet measured along the edge of the protected highway from the main entrance to the activity advertised (when applicable);
(b) One hundred fifty feet from the main building of the advertised activity; or
(c) Fifty feet from a regularly used parking lot maintained by and contiguous to the advertised activity.
(3) In addition to signs permitted by subsections (1) and (2) of this section, the commission may adopt regulations permitting one type 3 sign visible to traffic proceeding in any one direction on an interstate, primary or scenic system highway on premises which, on June 25, 1976, are used wholly or in part as an operating business, farm, ranch or orchard which sign bears only the name of the business, farm, ranch or orchard and a directional arrow or short directional message. Regulations adopted under this subsection shall prohibit the erection or maintenance of such type 3 signs on narrow strips of land a substantial distance from but connected with a business, farm, ranch or orchard. Signs permitted under this subsection shall not exceed fifty square feet in area.
(4) The commission with advice from the parks and recreation commission shall adopt specifications for a uniform system of official tourist facility directional signs to be used on the scenic system highways. Official directional signs shall be posted by the commission to inform motorists of types of tourist and recreational facilities available off the scenic system which are accessible by way of public or private roads intersecting scenic system highways.
[1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 55 s 2;
1974 ex.s. c 154 s 1
;
1974 ex.s. c 138 s 1
;
1971 ex.s. c 62 s 5
.]
RCW 47.42.050
Information signs by governmental units.
Information signs may be erected and maintained by the state, any county, city, or town.
[
1961 c 96 s 5
.]
RCW 47.42.055
Roadside area information panels or displays.
The department is authorized to erect roadside area information panels or displays adjacent to the state highway system within this state. The department may contract with private persons for the erection and operation of the information panels or displays. Compensation to the contractors shall be derived solely from the reasonable fees that the contractors will be permitted to charge participating businesses for making and exhibiting business signs and displays and for rendering services to tourists.
[
1985 c 376 s 5
;
1984 c 7 s 225
;
1977 ex.s. c 258 s 2
.]
NOTES:
Legislative intent
—
1985 c 376:
See note following RCW 47.42.020
.
RCW 47.42.060
Rules for signs visible from interstate and scenic systems
—
Judicial review.
The department shall adopt rules for the erection and maintenance of signs that are visible from the main traveled way of the interstate system and the scenic system and that are permitted by this chapter and other rules for the administration of this chapter consistent with the policy of this chapter and the national policy set forth in section 131, title 23, United States Code as codified and enacted by Public Law 85-767 and amended only by section 106, Public Law 86-342 and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the secretary of commerce or the secretary of transportation. Proceedings for review of any action taken by the department pursuant to this chapter shall be instituted by filing a petition only in the superior court of Thurston county.
[
1984 c 7 s 226
;
1971 ex.s. c 62 s 6
;
1961 c 96 s 6
.]
RCW 47.42.062
Signs visible from primary system in commercial and industrial areas
—
Requirements, restrictions, and prohibitions.
Signs within six hundred and sixty feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way which are visible from the main traveled way of the primary system within commercial and industrial areas and whose size, lighting, and spacing are consistent with the customary use of property for the effective display of outdoor advertising as set forth in this section may be erected and maintained: PROVIDED, That this section shall not serve to restrict type 3 signs located along any portion of the primary system within an incorporated city or town or within any commercial or industrial area.
(1) General: Signs shall not be erected or maintained which (a) imitate or resemble any official traffic sign, signal, or device; (b) are erected or maintained upon trees or painted or drawn upon rocks or other natural features and which are structurally unsafe or in disrepair; or (c) have any visible moving parts.
(2) Size of signs:
(a) The maximum area for any one sign shall be six hundred seventy-two square feet with a maximum height of twenty-five feet and maximum length of fifty feet inclusive of any border and trim but excluding the base or apron, supports and other structural members: PROVIDED, That cut-outs and extensions may add up to twenty percent of additional sign area.
(b) For the purposes of this subsection, double-faced, back-to-back, or V-type signs shall be considered as two signs.
(c) Signs which exceed three hundred twenty-five square feet in area may not be double-faced (abutting and facing the same direction).
(3) Spacing of signs:
(a) Signs may not be located in such a manner as to obscure, or otherwise physically interfere with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, signal, or device, obstruct or physically interfere with the driver's view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic.
(b) On limited access highways established pursuant to chapter
47.52
RCW no two signs shall be spaced less than one thousand feet apart, and no sign may be located within three thousand feet of the center of an interchange, a safety rest area, or information center, or within one thousand feet of an intersection at grade. Double-faced signs shall be prohibited. Not more than a total of five sign structures shall be permitted on both sides of the highway per mile.
(c) On noncontrolled access highways inside the boundaries of incorporated cities and towns not more than a total of four sign structures on both sides of the highway within a space of six hundred sixty feet shall be permitted with a minimum of one hundred feet between sign structures. In no event, however, shall more than four sign structures be permitted between platted intersecting streets or highways. On noncontrolled access highways outside the boundaries of incorporated cities and towns minimum spacing between sign structures on each side of the highway shall be five hundred feet.
(d) For the purposes of this subsection, a back-to-back sign and a V-type sign shall be considered one sign structure.
(e) Official signs, and signs advertising activities conducted on the property on which they are located shall not be considered in determining compliance with the above spacing requirements. The minimum space between structures shall be measured along the nearest edge of the pavement between points directly opposite the signs along each side of the highway and shall apply to signs located on the same side of the highway.
(4) Lighting: Signs may be illuminated, subject to the following restrictions:
(a) Signs which contain, include, or are illuminated by any flashing, intermittent, or moving light or lights are prohibited, except those giving public service information such as time, date, temperature, weather, or similar information.
(b) Signs which are not effectively shielded as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed at any portion of the traveled ways of the highway and which are of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or to impair the vision of the driver of any motor vehicle, or which otherwise interfere with any driver's operation of a motor vehicle are prohibited.
(c) No sign shall be so illuminated that it interferes with the effectiveness of, or obscures an official traffic sign, device, or signal.
(d) All such lighting shall be subject to any other provisions relating to lighting of signs presently applicable to all highways under the jurisdiction of the state.
[
1975 1st ex.s. c 271 s 3
;
1974 ex.s. c 154 s 2
;
1974 ex.s. c 138 s 2
;
1971 ex.s. c 62 s 7
.]
RCW 47.42.063
Signs visible from primary system in commercial and industrial areas
—
Preexisting signs
—
Permissible signs
—
Spacing.
(1) Signs within six hundred and sixty feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way lawfully erected and maintained which are visible from the main traveled way of the primary system within commercial and industrial areas on June 1, 1971 shall be permitted to remain and be maintained.
(2) Signs within six hundred and sixty feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way which are visible from the main traveled way of the primary system within commercial and industrial areas whose size, lighting, and spacing are consistent with customary use as set forth in RCW 47.42.062
may be erected and maintained. Signs lawfully erected and maintained on June 1, 1971 shall be included in the determination of spacing requirements for additional signs.
[
1975 1st ex.s. c 271 s 4
;
1971 ex.s. c 62 s 8
.]
RCW 47.42.065
Signs viewable from other highways or streets
—
Requirements.
Notwithstanding any other provision of chapter
47.42
RCW, signs may be erected and maintained more than six hundred and sixty feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way which are visible from the main traveled way of the interstate system, primary system, or scenic system when designed and oriented to be viewed from highways or streets other than the interstate system, primary system, or the scenic system and the advertising or informative contents of which may not be clearly comprehended by motorists using the main traveled way of the interstate system, primary system or scenic system.
[
1975 1st ex.s. c 271 s 5
;
1971 ex.s. c 62 s 9
.]
RCW 47.42.070
State and local prohibitions.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to permit a person to erect or maintain any sign that is otherwise prohibited by statute or by the resolution or ordinance of any county, city, or town of the state of Washington.
[
1961 c 96 s 7
.]
RCW 47.42.080
Public nuisance
—
Abatement
—
Penalty.
(1) Any sign erected or maintained contrary to the provisions of this chapter or rules adopted hereunder that is designed to be viewed from the interstate system, the primary system, or the scenic system is a public nuisance, and the department, the chief of the Washington state patrol, the county sheriff, or the chief of police of any city or town shall notify the permittee or, if there is no permittee, the owner of the property on which the sign is located, by certified mail at his or her last known address, that it constitutes a public nuisance and must comply with the chapter or be removed.
(2) If the permittee or owner, as the case may be, fails to comply with the chapter or remove any such sign within fifteen days after being notified to remove the sign he or she is guilty of a misdemeanor. In addition to the penalties imposed by law upon conviction, an order may be entered compelling removal of the sign. Each day the sign is maintained constitutes a separate offense.
(3) If the permittee or owner, as the case may be, fails to comply with this chapter or rules adopted under this chapter or fails to remove any sign erected or maintained contrary to the provisions of this chapter or rules adopted under this chapter within fifteen days after being notified to remove the sign, the department shall assess a fine of one hundred dollars per calendar day until the sign is brought into compliance or is removed. The one hundred dollar per calendar day fine is not contingent on a misdemeanor conviction. Fines collected under this subsection must be deposited with the state treasurer to the credit of the motor vehicle fund.
(4) If the permittee or the owner of the property upon which it is located, as the case may be, is not found or refuses receipt of the notice, the department, the chief of the Washington state patrol, the county sheriff, or the chief of police of any city or town shall post the sign and property upon which it is located with a notice that the sign constitutes a public nuisance and must be removed. If the sign is not removed within fifteen days after such posting, the department, the chief of the Washington state patrol, the county sheriff, or the chief of police of any city or town shall abate the nuisance and destroy the sign, and for that purpose may enter upon private property without incurring liability for doing so.
(5) Nothing in this section may be construed to affect the provisions contained in RCW 47.42.102
requiring the payment of compensation upon the removal of any signs compensable under state law.
(6) Any sign erected or maintained on state highway right-of-way contrary to this chapter or rules adopted under it is a public nuisance, and the department is authorized to remove any such sign without notice.
[
2013 c 312 s 2
;
2010 c 8 s 10016
;
1985 c 376 s 6
;
1984 c 7 s 227
; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 55 s 1;
1971 ex.s. c 62 s 10
;
1961 c 96 s 8
.]
NOTES:
Legislative intent
—
1985 c 376:
See note following RCW 47.42.020
.
RCW 47.42.090
Revocation of permit.
If any person is convicted of a violation of this chapter, or any rule adopted hereunder, the department may revoke any permit issued to that person under this chapter.
[
1984 c 7 s 228
;
1961 c 96 s 9
.]
RCW 47.42.100
Preexisting signs
—
Moratorium.
(1) No sign lawfully erected in a protected area as defined by section 2, chapter 96, Laws of 1961 (before the amendment thereof), prior to March 11, 1961, within a commercial or industrial zone within the boundaries of any city or town, as such boundaries existed on September 21, 1959, wherein the use of real property adjacent to the interstate system is subject to municipal regulation or control but which does not comply with the provisions of this chapter or any regulations promulgated hereunder, shall be maintained by any person after March 11, 1965.
(2) No sign lawfully erected in a protected area as defined by section 2, chapter 96, Laws of 1961 (before the amendment thereof), prior to March 11, 1961, other than within a commercial or industrial zone within the boundaries of a city or town as such boundaries existed on September 21, 1959, wherein the use of real property adjacent to the interstate system is subject to municipal regulation or control but which does not comply with the provisions of this chapter or any regulations promulgated hereunder, shall be maintained by any person after three years from March 11, 1961.
(3) No sign lawfully erected in a scenic area as defined by section 2, chapter 96, Laws of 1961 (before the amendment thereof), prior to the effective date of the designation of such area as a scenic area shall be maintained by any person after three years from the effective date of the designation of any such area as a scenic area.
(4) No sign visible from the main traveled way of the interstate system, the primary system (other than type 3 signs along any portion of the primary system within an incorporated city or town or within a commercial or industrial area), or the scenic system which was there lawfully maintained immediately prior to May 10, 1971, but which does not comply with the provisions of chapter
47.42
RCW as now or hereafter amended, shall be maintained by any person (a) after three years from May 10, 1971, or (b) with respect to any highway hereafter designated by the legislature as a part of the scenic system, after three years from the effective date of the designation. Signs located in areas zoned by the governing county for predominantly commercial or industrial uses, that do not have development visible to the highway, as determined by the department, and that were lawfully installed after May 10, 1971, visible to any highway now or hereafter designated by the legislature as part of the scenic system, shall be allowed to be maintained.
[
1993 c 430 s 11
;
1974 ex.s. c 154 s 3
;
1974 ex.s. c 138 s 3
;
1971 ex.s. c 62 s 11
;
1963 ex.s. c 3 s 55
;
1961 c 96 s 10
.]
RCW 47.42.102
Compensation for removal of signs
—
Authorized
—
Applicability.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3) of this section, just compensation shall be paid upon the removal of any sign (pursuant to the provisions of chapter
47.42
RCW), lawfully erected under state law, which is visible from the main traveled way of the interstate system or the primary system.
(2) Such compensation shall be paid for the following:
(a) The taking from the owner of such sign, display, or device of all right, title, leasehold, and interest in such sign, display, or device; and
(b) The taking from the owner of the real property on which the sign, display, or device is located, of the right to erect and maintain such signs, displays, and devices thereon.
(3) In no event, however, shall compensation be paid for the taking or removal of signs adjacent to the interstate system and the scenic system which became subject to removal pursuant to chapter 96, Laws of 1961 as amended by section 55, chapter 3, Laws of 1963 ex. sess. prior to May 10, 1971.
[
1975 1st ex.s. c 271 s 2
;
1971 ex.s. c 62 s 12
.]
RCW 47.42.103
Compensation for removal
—
Action determining amount
—
Payment
—
State's share.
(1) Compensation as required by RCW 47.42.102
shall be paid to the person or persons entitled thereto for the removal of such signs. If no agreement is reached on the amount of compensation to be paid, the department may institute an action by summons and complaint in the superior court for the county in which the sign is located to obtain a determination of the compensation to be paid. If the owner of the sign is unknown and cannot be ascertained after diligent efforts to do so, the department may remove the sign upon the payment of compensation only to the owner of the real property on which the sign is located. Thereafter the owner of the sign may file an action at any time within one year after the removal of the sign to obtain a determination of the amount of compensation he or she should receive for the loss of the sign. If either the owner of the sign or the owner of the real property on which the sign is located cannot be found within the state, service of the summons and complaint on such person for the purpose of obtaining a determination of the amount of compensation to be paid may be by publication in the manner provided by RCW 4.28.100
.
(2) If compensation is determined by judicial proceedings, the sum so determined shall be paid into the registry of the court to be disbursed upon removal of the sign by its owner or by the owner of the real property on which the sign is located. If the amount of compensation is agreed upon, the department may pay the agreed sum into escrow to be released upon the removal of the sign by its owner or the owner of the real property on which the sign is located.
(3) The state's share of compensation shall be paid from the motor vehicle fund, or if a court having jurisdiction enters a final judgment declaring that motor vehicle funds may not be used, then from the general fund.
[
2010 c 8 s 10017
;
1984 c 7 s 229
;
1971 ex.s. c 62 s 13
.]
RCW 47.42.104
Compensation for removal
—
Federal share
—
Acceptance.
The department may accept any allotment of funds by the United States, or any agency thereof, appropriated to carry out the purposes of section 131 of title 23, United States Code, as now or hereafter amended. The department shall take such steps as may be necessary from time to time to obtain from the United States, or the appropriate agency thereof, funds allotted and appropriated, pursuant to section 131, for the purpose of paying the federal share of the just compensation to be paid to sign owners and owners of real property under the terms of subsection (g) of section 131 and RCW 47.42.102, 47.42.103, and
47.42.104
.
[
1984 c 7 s 230
;
1971 ex.s. c 62 s 14
.]
RCW 47.42.105
Unavailability of federal share.
No sign, display, or device shall be required to be removed if the federal share of the just compensation to be paid upon the removal of such sign, display, or device is not available to make such payment.
[
1971 ex.s. c 62 s 15
.]
RCW 47.42.107
Compensation for removal under local authority.
(1) Just compensation shall be paid upon the removal of any existing sign pursuant to the provisions of any resolution or ordinance of any county, city, or town of the state of Washington by such county, city, or town if:
(a) Such sign was lawfully in existence on May 10, 1971 (the effective date of the Scenic Vistas Act of 1971); or
(b) Such sign was erected subsequent to May 10, 1971 (the effective date of the Scenic Vistas Act of 1971), in compliance with existing state and local law.
(2) Such compensation shall be paid in the same manner as specified in RCW 47.42.102
(2) for the following:
(a) The taking from the owner of such sign, display, or device of all right, title, leasehold, and interest in such sign, display, or device; and
(b) The taking from the owner of the real property on which the sign, display, or device is located, of the right to erect and maintain such signs, displays, and devices thereon.
[
1977 ex.s. c 141 s 1
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1977 ex.s. c 141:
"If any provision of this 1977 amendatory act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [
1977 ex.s. c 141 s 2
.]
RCW 47.42.110
Agreements for federal aid.
The department is authorized to enter into agreements (and such supplementary agreements as may be necessary) consistent with this chapter, with the secretary of commerce or the secretary of transportation authorized under section 131(b) of title 23, United States Code, as codified and enacted by Public Law 85-767 and amended only by section 106, Public Law 86-342, in order that the state may become eligible for increased federal aid as provided for in section 131 of title 23, United States Code, as codified and enacted by Public Law 85-767 and amended only by section 106, Public Law 86-342.
[
1984 c 7 s 231
;
1971 ex.s. c 62 s 16
;
1961 c 96 s 11
.]
RCW 47.42.120
Permits
—
Application
—
Fees
—
Renewal
—
Permissible acts
—
Revocation.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, no sign except a sign of type 1 or 2 or those type 3 signs that advertise activities conducted upon the properties where the signs are located, may be erected or maintained without a permit issued by the department. Application for a permit shall be made to the department on forms furnished by it. The forms shall contain a statement that the owner or lessee of the land in question has consented thereto. For type 8 signs (temporary agricultural directional signs), when the land in question is owned by the department, the consent statement must be reviewed and, if the sign does not create a safety concern, be approved within ten days of application by the department. The application shall be accompanied by a fee established by department rule to be deposited with the state treasurer to the credit of the motor vehicle fund. Permits shall be for the remainder of the calendar year in which they are issued, and accompanying fees shall not be prorated for fractions of the year. Permits must be renewed annually through a certification process established by department rule. Advertising copy may be changed at any time without the payment of an additional fee. Assignment of permits in good standing is effective only upon receipt of written notice of assignment by the department. A permit may be revoked after hearing if the department finds that any statement made in the application or annual certification process was false or misleading, or that the sign covered is not in good general condition and in a reasonable state of repair, or is otherwise in violation of this chapter, if the false or misleading information has not been corrected and the sign has not been brought into compliance with this chapter or rules adopted under it within thirty days after written notification. Beginning July 1, 2014, the department shall establish and charge by rule an annual fee for type 4 and 5 sign permits. The fee must reasonably recover costs for outdoor advertising control program administration and enforcement and may not exceed one hundred fifty dollars. The department shall establish by rule exemptions from payment of the annual fee for type 4 and 5 signs that do not generate rental income.
[
2013 c 312 s 1
;
2010 c 138 s 2
;
1999 c 276 s 1
;
1984 c 7 s 232
;
1971 ex.s. c 62 s 17
;
1961 c 96 s 12
.]
RCW 47.42.130
Permit identification number.
Every permit issued by the department shall be assigned a separate identification number, and each permittee shall fasten to each sign a weatherproof label, not larger than twenty-eight square inches, that shall be furnished by the department and on which shall be plainly visible the permit number. The permittee shall also place his or her name in a conspicuous position on the front or back of each sign. The failure of a sign to have such a label affixed to it is prima facie evidence that it is not in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
[
2013 c 312 s 3
;
1999 c 276 s 2
;
1984 c 7 s 233
;
1961 c 96 s 13
.]
RCW 47.42.140
Scenic areas designated.
The following portions of state highways are designated as a part of the scenic system:
(1) State route number 2 beginning at the crossing of Woods creek at the east city limits of Monroe, thence in an easterly direction by way of Stevens pass to a junction with state route number 97 in the vicinity of Peshastin.
(2) State route number 7 beginning at a junction with state route number 706 at Elbe, thence in a northerly direction to a junction with state route number 507 south of Spanaway.
(3) State route number 11 beginning at the Blanchard overcrossing, thence in a northerly direction to the limits of Larabee state park (north line of section 36, township 37 north, range 2 east).
(4) State route number 12 beginning at Kosmos southeast of Morton, thence in an easterly direction across White pass to the Oak Flat junction with state route number 410 northwest of Yakima.
(5) State route number 90 beginning at the westerly junction with West Lake Sammamish parkway in the vicinity of Issaquah, thence in an easterly direction by way of North Bend and Snoqualmie pass to a junction with state route number 970 at Cle Elum.
(6) State route number 97 beginning at a junction with state route number 970 at Virden, thence via Blewett pass to a junction with state route number 2 in the vicinity of Peshastin.
(7) State route number 106 beginning at the junction with state route number 101 in the vicinity of Union, thence northeasterly to the junction with state route number 3 in the vicinity of Belfair.
(8) State route number 123 beginning at a junction with state route number 12 at Ohanapecosh junction in the vicinity west of White pass, thence in a northerly direction to a junction with state route number 410 at Cayuse junction in the vicinity west of Chinook pass.
(9) State route number 165 beginning at the northwest entrance to Mount Rainier national park, thence in a northerly direction to a junction with state route number 162 east of the town of South Prairie.
(10) State route number 206, Mt. Spokane Park Drive, beginning at the junction with state route number 2 near the north line section 3, township 26 N, range 43 E, thence northeasterly to a point in section 28, township 28 N, range 45 E at the entrance to Mt. Spokane state park.
(11) State route number 305, beginning at the ferry slip at Winslow on Bainbridge Island, thence northwesterly by way of Agate Pass bridge to a junction with state route number 3 approximately four miles northwest of Poulsbo.
(12) State route number 410 beginning at the crossing of Scatter creek approximately six miles east of Enumclaw, thence in an easterly direction by way of Chinook pass to a junction of state route number 12 and state route number 410.
(13) State route number 706 beginning at a junction with state route number 7 at Elbe thence in an easterly direction to the southwest entrance to Mount Rainier national park.
(14) State route number 970 beginning at a junction with state route number 90 in the vicinity of Cle Elum thence via Teanaway to a junction with state route number 97 in the vicinity of Virden.
[
1993 c 430 s 12
;
1992 c 26 s 3
;
1975 c 63 s 9
;
1974 ex.s. c 138 s 4
. Prior:
1971 ex.s. c 73 s 28
;
1971 ex.s. c 62 s 18
;
1961 c 96 s 14
. Cf.
1974 ex.s. c 154 s 4
.]
RCW 47.42.901
Severability
—
1963 ex.s. c 3.
If any provision of *section 55 of this amendatory act shall be held to be invalid or shall be held to invalidate any provision of chapter 96, Laws of 1961 (chapter
47.42
RCW), then that provision of this amendatory act shall be of no force and effect and the provisions of chapter 96, Laws of 1961 (chapter
47.42
RCW) shall continue in effect.
[
1963 ex.s. c 3 s 56
.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note:
The reference to "section 55 of this amendatory act" is to the 1963 amendment of RCW 47.42.100
.
RCW 47.42.910
Short title
—
1961 c 96.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the highway advertising control act of 1961.
[
1961 c 96 s 17
.]
RCW 47.42.911
Short title
—
1971 ex.s. c 62.
This chapter may be cited as the "Scenic Vistas Act."
[
1999 c 276 s 3
;
1971 ex.s. c 62 s 19
.]
RCW 47.42.920
Federal requirements
—
Conflict and accord.
If the secretary of the United States department of transportation finds any part of this chapter to be in conflict with federal requirements that are a prescribed condition to the allocation of federal funds to the state, the conflicting part of this chapter is hereby declared to be inoperative solely to the extent of the conflict and with respect to the agencies directly affected, and such finding or determination shall not affect the operation of the remainder of this chapter in its application to the agencies concerned. The rules under this chapter shall meet federal requirements that are a necessary condition to the receipt of federal funds by the state.
[
1985 c 142 s 4
.]