Roadside signs sprout like weeds

For Immediate Release: Monday, April 04, 2016

Spring is here, and signs are sprouting like weeds along Washington County roads. Illegally placed signs can block driver visibility, limit pedestrian access and compete with traffic control signs for drivers' attention.

"Signs placed illegally along the road generate safety issues and many complaints," said Dave Schamp, Washington County Land Use & Transportation (LUT) Road Operations manager. "The problem peaks just prior to elections, but we don't discriminate - signs for political campaigns, real estate, garage sales, etc., are all prohibited within the public right-of-way along Washington County roads."

The road right-of-way generally includes the roadway, ditches, shoulders and sidewalks - basically all areas between utility poles on both sides of the road. Signs also cannot be placed on traffic signposts, street light and power poles or signal cabinets.

Washington County's prohibition of roadside signs applies to all County roads outside of cities. For state highway sign regulations, check with the Oregon Department of Transportation. For County roads inside a city, contact the city road agency.

Temporary signs may be allowed on private property, subject to applicable sign regulations. Within a city, refer to the city's sign regulations. Outside of cities, contact the Washington County Department of Land Use & Transportation Current Planning section at 503-846-8761 or [email protected] s .

To report illegal roadside signs along Washington County roads, call 503-846-ROAD (846-7623), email or submit an online service request. Community service workers, under the supervision of County employees, will remove illegal signs and recycle/dispose of them.

Related: Roadside Signs Fact Sheet

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