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Lacey amends sign code to allow political yard signs in right‑of‑way adjacent to private property
Summary
Ordinance 1680 amended the Lacey Municipal Code to permit political signs in public right‑of‑way only when that right‑of‑way is adjacent to private property; size and safety limits remain unchanged. The council approved the ordinance following unanimous planning‑commission support.
The Lacey City Council on June 17 approved Ordinance 1680 to amend the city sign code and allow political signs in the public right‑of‑way when the right‑of‑way is adjacent to private property.
A staff presenter told the council the change responds to concerns that the existing restriction might conflict with federal and state free‑speech protections. Under the amendment, location‑based restrictions on political signs are removed only for right‑of‑way adjacent to private property; political signs remain prohibited in right‑of‑way adjacent to public property. The ordinance does not change size, safety, durability, or duration standards already in the sign code; the existing 10‑square‑foot size limit for political signs remains.
Staff noted the planning commission reviewed the proposal, held a public hearing on June 11 and unanimously recommended approval. Council members discussed safety questions including roundabouts and intersection sightlines; staff said existing sight‑line and spacing rules in the sign code still apply and would prohibit signs that obstruct intersections or create safety hazards.
A motion to approve Ordinance 1680 passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition. Councilmembers and staff said the amendment clarifies enforcement and reduces the city’s risk of constitutional challenge while retaining safety controls.
