City Council Reviews Billboard Regulations and Graffiti Mitigation Strategies

In a recent Spokane City Plan Commission Workshop, discussions centered on the future of off-premise signs, particularly billboards, which have long been a contentious issue in the community. Adam McDaniel, a policy adviser from the mayor's office, presented a proposal aimed at addressing the longstanding provisions in the city’s comprehensive plan regarding billboards, which has called for their reduction since the early 2000s.

The conversation began with McDaniel highlighting the city council's previous moratorium on new billboards, emphasizing the need for updated regulations to align with the comprehensive plan. He noted that while some progress has been made in reducing the number of billboards, the impact has been minimal over the past 25 years. The workshop aimed to gather initial feedback on the potential for implementing an amortization schedule similar to that adopted by Wenatchee, which phases out billboards over a set period.

Commissioners expressed a mix of support and concern regarding the proposal. Some voiced strong opposition to billboards, citing their negative impact on community aesthetics and safety. One commissioner passionately argued for the removal of billboards, suggesting that each one taken down could be replaced with a tree, reflecting a desire for a greener urban landscape. Others pointed out the broader implications of abandoned and nonconforming signs, linking them to issues of property maintenance and urban blight.

The discussion also touched on the need for a comprehensive approach to address vacant and distressed properties, with several commissioners agreeing that the issue of signage is part of a larger challenge facing the city. They acknowledged the importance of enforcing existing policies while considering new regulations to enhance the community's visual environment.

As the workshop concluded, the commissioners agreed to continue exploring the topic, recognizing the potential for significant community interest and the need for further discussion. The meeting underscored Spokane's ongoing efforts to balance private property rights with the desire for a more aesthetically pleasing and sustainable urban environment. The next steps will involve deeper analysis and community engagement as the city navigates the complexities of signage regulation.