Report Illegal Signs in Tri-Cities, Washington
Tri-Cities, Washington residents frequently encounter illegal or abandoned signs on sidewalks, private property, and along state highways. This guide explains how to report illegal signs, who enforces sign rules, and the practical steps to request removal in Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland. It covers what to document, immediate safety concerns, and how permit status or variances affect enforcement. Use the contact and appeal routes below to submit complaints, preserve evidence, and follow up with the enforcing office.
What qualifies as an illegal sign
Common categories include unpermitted commercial signs, signs in public right-of-way, oversized banners, abandoned campaign signs left after deadlines, and signs obstructing pedestrian or vehicle sight lines. Signs on state highways or interchanges may also violate state outdoor advertising rules.
How to report illegal signs
When reporting, provide location, photos, date/time, and whether the sign blocks visibility or access. If a sign is on or adjacent to a state highway, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) handles outdoor advertising permits and removals; see WSDOT guidance for roadside advertising WSDOT Outdoor Advertising[2]. For city-maintained streets or private property concerns, contact your city code-enforcement office; example contact for Pasco code enforcement is available online Pasco Code Enforcement[1].
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement and penalties vary by jurisdiction. Many sign regulations are enforced by each city’s code enforcement or community development department; signs on state right-of-way are enforced by WSDOT. Specific monetary fines or daily penalties are often set in municipal code or permit conditions.
- Enforcers: city Code Enforcement / Community Development departments; state enforcement by WSDOT for state highways.
- Fines: not specified on the cited pages; check the specific city code or permit terms for amounts and schedules.
- Escalation: many cities use warnings, then civil penalties or abatement; exact escalation steps are not specified on the cited pages.
- Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, abatement at owner’s expense, stop-work orders, and referral to municipal court are commonly used.
- Complaint pathway: submit an online complaint, phone report, or email to the city code-enforcement office; refer state-highway signs to WSDOT.
- Appeals: appeal routes and time limits depend on local code or permit conditions; specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages.
Applications & Forms
Some sign permits or variances require application through a city planning or permitting portal. If no dedicated removal request form is published, use the general code-enforcement complaint form or contact the planning department directly; this is "not specified on the cited pages" for a single unified form.[1]
Typical enforcement process and timeline
- Report received and logged by code enforcement.
- Investigation and site visit to verify violation.
- Notice of violation or permit deficiency issued to owner or responsible party.
- Compliance deadline set; if not met, abatement or fines may follow.
- Opportunity to appeal per the city’s hearing or review procedures (check local code for deadlines).
Common violations
- Unpermitted commercial signs in public right-of-way.
- Signs obstructing sidewalks, ramps, or visibility at intersections.
- Abandoned political signs left after election removal deadlines.
Action steps — what residents should do
- Photograph the sign from multiple angles and note the exact location and time.
- Report to your city’s code enforcement via the city website or phone; signs on state highways should be reported to WSDOT.[2]
- Keep copies of correspondence and case numbers; follow up if no action is taken within stated timelines.
FAQ
- Who enforces sign rules in the Tri-Cities?
- Each city’s code enforcement or community development department enforces local sign rules; WSDOT enforces signs on state right-of-way.
- Can I remove a sign that is blocking the sidewalk?
- Contact your city code enforcement and the police non-emergency line for immediate hazards; do not remove signs on private property without authorization.
- How long does it take to get a sign removed?
- Timelines vary by case severity and city workload; check the city’s case number or contact the code-enforcement office for status updates.
How-To
- Document: take clear photos, note address or GPS coordinates, date and time.
- Identify jurisdiction: city street or private property versus state highway; use WSDOT for state right-of-way.
- Submit report: use the city code-enforcement online form or the WSDOT reporting path for roadside advertising.
- Follow up: record the case number, ask for timelines, and escalate to a supervisor if necessary.
- Appeal or compliance: if a notice is issued, review the notice for appeal instructions and deadlines and submit within the stated timeframe.
Key Takeaways
- Report with photos and exact location to speed enforcement.
- City code enforcement handles local streets; WSDOT handles state highways.
- Appeals and fines vary by municipality; check the notice or municipal code for specifics.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Kennewick - official site
- City of Pasco Code Enforcement
- City of Richland - official site
- Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)