Digital Billboards on State Highways

A piece of State-level legislation was introduced last week that didn’t show up on the City’s 2012 State Legislative Agenda Priorities, but we’re wondering if maybe it should get some attention.  Apparently Clear Channel hasn’t given up. 

The new House bill seems to be an attempt at a bit of an end-run around rules like Tacoma’s recently passed ban on digital signage.  HB 2636 would allow the controversial billboards on the state highway system, within incorporated cities and towns.  The bill would not change regulations on interstates or residential roads.  The bill’s supporters are promoting it as a way for the state to expand its emergency and missing persons messaging capabilities (think Amber alerts, disaster warnings, etc).  It would allow “static digital outdoor advertising signs,” but not signs with flashing or distracting lighting (is there any other kind when you’re allowing signage up to 672 two square feet with a maximum height of 25 feet and maximum length of 50 feet?).

A couple of state highways pass through Tacoma, but the passage of the digital billboard ban last year may trump this new bill.  Or maybe not.  We’ve asked a few of our elected officials and none have had an answer yet. The bill appears to include one saving grace for Tacoma, which put its ban on the books in 2011.

Sec. 5.  Nothing in this act shall be construed to preempt any local ordinances or restrictions relating to type 4 and 5 outdoor advertising signs.

From the sound of that, Tacoma might not be forced to allow the signs within City limits, but it would be nice to get some confirmation on the point.  Should opposing this change be on the City’s state legislative agenda priorities?  Even if we are safe, would you still want the City to come down against digital billboards? 

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