Spokane Valley council adopts ban on signs attached to traffic-control devices

The Spokane Valley City Council on Tuesday adopted Ordinance 25-009, amending Title 22, Chapter 110, Section 060 of the Spokane Valley Municipal Code to prohibit placement of non-government signs on traffic-control devices or on structures within the public right-of-way when they obstruct visibility.

City Attorney Kelly Concrete summarized the measure during a public hearing, saying the ordinance narrows an earlier, broader proposal and is aimed at protecting public safety by ensuring drivers can see traffic signs and other traffic-control devices without competing visual clutter.

The ordinance adds a new subsection that forbids attaching signs to traffic-control devices and bars placement of signs in locations that obstruct the visibility of such devices, including the roadside side of guardrails. Concrete said the changes were intentionally narrower than prior drafts in response to community concerns about garage-sale and real-estate open-house signage.

During public testimony, residents raised questions about what types of signage would be affected. Daryl Williams asked whether government safety signs such as “don’t text and drive” would be prohibited; Concrete replied that the restriction applies only to non-official, non-government signs and that official governmental signs would not be affected. Other speakers suggested adding a distinct political-sign section and asked about enforcement costs. Concrete told council there is no planned new staff or cost to enact the ordinance and that existing staff would handle enforcement.

Councilmembers voiced support for the narrower approach. Councilmember Wick said changing rules in the middle of an election season was undesirable and praised the targeted amendment as a public-safety measure. Council discussions noted First Amendment limits on singling out sign messages and the council agreed the broader sign code could go to the planning commission for further review.

A motion to adopt Ordinance 25-009 was made and seconded. The vote was unanimous in favor. The ordinance will amend the municipal code to prohibit signs on traffic-control devices and in locations that obstruct the traveling public’s view of those devices.

The city attorney said the ordinance is intended to reduce driver distraction and does not prohibit placing signs elsewhere in the right-of-way so long as they do not obstruct traffic devices. Questions about particular edge cases — for example ceremonial crosses and memorials — were addressed: Concrete said crosses and symbolic items can constitute a “sign” and the rule prevents attaching them to traffic-control devices but does not prohibit placement in medians or other areas provided they do not obstruct device visibility.

Council members and staff indicated the council may send more comprehensive updates to the sign code to the planning commission for a later, broader review.

Ordinance: 25-009 (adopted).