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King County's policy on political campaign signs in the right-of-way
King County regulates signs on county-owned property, easements and road right-of-way.
This brochure provides information on King County's policies for political campaign signs in unincorporated King
County. For information about sign policies in an incorporated city, contact that city.
Political campaign signs are limited to elections"Political campaign signs" are signs, posters or bills promoting or publicizing candidates for public office or issues to be voted on in a general or special election. That limits the content of the signs to matters scheduled for election and does not include general political positions or issues.Campaign signs are not allowed on the county's right-of-wayKing County's sign regulations prohibit any signs, posters, bills or other advertising devices, including political campaign signs, on the county's right-of-way, public easements, public property or utility poles — with a few exceptions. The King County Code (21A.20.120C, “Political Signs”) allows such signs when they have been have been specifically permitted for traffic management and safety purposes. These are real estate open house signs (the agent or owner must be on-site) and directional signs granted by special-use permit. The county may remove and dispose of any other sign posted in the road right-of-way.Political campaign signs are allowed on private propertyPolitical campaign signs may be displayed on private property with the property owner's consent. Any such signs, posters or bills must be removed within 10 days after the election. Although the campaign may agree to remove any sign, the property owner is ultimately responsible for compliance with the removal policy.What is the road right-of-way?The road right-of way includes the paved road and a strip of land, usually on either side of the road, that is reserved for shoulders, drainage ditches, sidewalks, traffic signs, electrical traffic signal control boxes, utility lines and future road expansion. Because the width of the right-of-way varies, King County often receives complaints about campaign signs inadvertently placed on public right-of-way. In some cases, the right-of-way extends only a short distance beyond the paved roadway — perhaps just past the shoulder. In other cases, the right-of-way may extend well into what appears to be someone's front yard. The right-of-way boundary is an invisible line that may not be possible to identify without detailed legal maps and a formal survey. Property owners may not know the exact right-of-way boundary and may have maintained, landscaped or fenced this area. When in doubt about the location of the right-of-way boundary, post the campaign sign on private property well past the point of uncertainty.What can be done if signs are posted on private property without permission?Property owners can contact the campaign to ask to have the sign removed and advise the campaign about the error so it is not repeated. King County Elections, at 206-296-1565, will have the campaign's number if it is not on the sign. King County Roads has no authority over signs posted on private property.Illegally posted signs cost moneyIllegally posted signs in the road right-of-way can reduce driver visibility, distract drivers' attention, or force pedestrians and bicyclists into traffic or difficult terrain alongside the road shoulder. Illegally posted signs also waste taxpayer dollars. Each year, King County logs more than 100 complaints about improperly posted signs. Money is wasted when road crews spend time removing signs before mowing or performing other maintenance activities, and when county investigators spend time following up on sign complaints.How to complain about illegally placed signsTo complain about illegally posted campaign signs on public property, easements or right-of-way in unincorporated King County, call King County Roads Maintenance at 206-296-8100. The toll-free number is 1-800-527-6237. This number is staffed 24 hours a day. Campaigns can call the same number to find out how to retrieve signs that maintenance crews have removed.Other campaign sign problemsMost campaigns make sure their workers are aware of posting regulations. In their enthusiasm for their candidate or issue, however, some campaign workers may overlook the regulations or engage in seemingly harmless pranks concerning the opposition's signs. To complain about pranks or other campaign sign problems not related to road right-of-way issues, call the campaign. If the campaign's phone number is not listed on the sign, contact King County Elections at 206-296-1565. To file a formal complaint about damaged or stolen political campaign signs in unincorporated King County, contact the local King County Sheriff's Office precinct or the general number at 206-296-3311. Include such facts as license numbers, names, and witnesses to the theft. Do not call 911.Contact information
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 Political campaign signs brochure One-page version for easy printing (41KB .pdf) Need hardcopies of the Political Campaign Signs brochure? Send us a message.
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