Signage

Right of Way Signage

In Happy Valley, there are rules related to the placement of temporary commercial and political signage within the City’s Rights-of-Way (ROW), which refers to the land surrounding the road that is dedicated for public use.

Given pedestrians and travelers along the road have direct access to ROW’s, individuals and businesses often utilize these spaces to place signs, so they can maximize visibility. Signage might promote electoral candidates, advertise an event, announce yard sales, or market for products and services. While signs are permitted, there are specific guidelines that outline limits to their use. Adherence to these rules is crucial, as these regulations aim to maintain the cleanliness, organization, and safety of public spaces.

Below are some important points to remember as outlined by the City of Happy Valley’s Municipal Code (16.45.115: Temporary commercial signs and political signs):

A. Temporary commercial signs may include board signs, canvas signs, plastic signs, inflatable signs, banners, flags, balloons, pennants, streamers, etc., subject to the following:

1. Temporary commercial signs shall not be internally or externally illuminated.
2. Temporary commercial signs shall not be located or extend into or over public right-of-way or into the clear vision area with the exception of special event banner signs as defined in this title.
3. Temporary commercial signs shall be maintained and kept neat and clean. Materials shall not be allowed to fade, tear, rip or otherwise become unsightly during the period of installation.
4. Temporary commercial signs shall not be attached to trees, shrubbery, utility poles or like items. They shall not obstruct or obscure primary signs or adjacent premises. They shall not create a traffic hazard because of distractive character to motorists.
5. Temporary commercial signs shall range in size from greater than six square feet to a size not to exceed 32 square feet in size.
6. The Sign Official shall establish a timeframe for placement of each temporary commercial sign approved. Approval periods shall not exceed 60 days in one calendar year. The sign shall be removed at the end of the approval period. Any costs associated with temporary commercial sign removal by the City shall be at the expense of the sign owner.
7. All required permits shall be obtained prior to placement of temporary commercial signs, unless exempted by this title.

B. Temporary political signs may include wooden board signs, canvas signs and banner signs subject to the following:

1. Temporary political signs shall not be internally or externally illuminated.
2. Temporary political signs shall not be located or extend into or over public right-of-way or into the clear vision area.
3. Temporary political signs shall be maintained and kept neat and clean. Materials shall not be allowed to fade, tear, rip or otherwise become unsightly during the period of installation.
4. Temporary political signs shall not be attached to trees, shrubbery or utility poles. They shall not obstruct or obscure primary signs or adjacent premises. They shall not create a traffic hazard because of distractive character to motorists.
5. Temporary political signs shall range in size from greater than four square feet to a size not to exceed 32 square feet in size at a four-foot by eight-foot dimension.
6. Temporary political signs shall be permitted for a timeline of 30 days prior to any given election to seven days post the election outcome. Any costs associated with temporary political sign removal by the City shall be at the expense of the candidate.

Community Service Officers (CSO’s) are tasked with maintaining clear Rights of Way (ROW) within the City and ensuring signage guidelines are followed. As always, CSO’s will make every effort to contact the owner of sign that is in non-compliance to help educate and explain expectations. While the primary objective is education and achieving compliance, if signage persists in violation or poses safety or traffic concerns, the City reserves the right to remove it without prior notice, with the owner liable to citation.

 

Private property signage

Code Enforcement often responds to inquiries about signs being placed on private property without the owner’s permission. An example of this might be when a company doing business in the area puts a sign in your yard for work done at your home or a neighboring house. Please be advised of the following as outlined by the City of Happy Valley’s Municipal Code (8.08.320 Notices and advertisements):

A. No person may affix or cause to be distributed any placard, bill, advertisement, or poster upon real or personal property, public or private, without first securing permission from the owner or person in control of the property.

Sign violations

Upon identifying a violation, Community Service Officers will promptly remove the sign(s) in question, store them at Public Works for a period of 30 days, and subsequently dispose of them. We also contact the owner or company to advise them on the actions taken.

If you have questions about signage or are concerned about a sign currently placed in the Right-of-Way, please contact us at 503-783-3800.