Election season is in full swing, and forests of campaign signs have sprouted on medians and other public places such as planting strips and even traffic circles. Candidates and their staffs, as well as the general public, should be aware of where campaign signs may or may not be placed.

The Seattle Municipal Code allows for temporary political signs in the public planting strips in front of private property with the consent of the occupant of the property. The occupant, however, has the legal right to remove the sign.

Signsare prohibited in all areas of the street right of way, such as on medians, traffic circles, and bridge approaches that abut public property, or in the street itself.

Campaign signs, especially in groups, can pose a safety hazard. Seattle Department of Transportation staff, when requested, will go out in a timely manner and evaluate and remove signs if they present a public safety hazard. For general complaints about these signs in any other public locations, the city will evaluate the location.

Illegally placed signs can be reported to 684-ROAD. Please be prepared to provide the location of any sign on public property.

Grace Crunican, Director

Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3900, PO Box 34996, Seattle WA 98124-4996

Tel: (206) 684-ROAD (684-7623), FAX: (206) 684-5180

Internet Address: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation

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