Whatcom County and Bellingham broadly allow political and temporary signs on private property as protected speech. Only official traffic signs belong in the state highway right-of-way, and local sign codes must be content-neutral after Reed v. Gilbert.
Political and other temporary signs are strongly protected on private property throughout Whatcom County and Bellingham. After Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015), a local sign code must be content-neutral, so a city cannot treat a campaign sign differently from any other temporary sign of the same size. On state routes like the Guide Meridian or Mount Baker Highway, only official traffic-control signs may sit in the right-of-way; WSDOT crews remove the rest under WAC 468-66 and the Scenic Vistas Act, RCW 47.42. The planting strip is generally treated as a public forum where signs are allowed. The county auditor does not police campaign signs, so report right-of-way violations to Whatcom County Public Works.
Signs placed in a state highway right-of-way are removed without notice. Oversized or sight-blocking signs draw a correction notice. Content-based sign restrictions are unconstitutional and unenforceable.
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