Can cities and counties prohibit the placement of signs on wireless antenna facilities?
Yes. Under the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, cities and counties retain their general zoning and land use authority in regard to wireless antenna facilities. They are merely prohibited from taking any action that has the effect of denying a wireless provider the ability to offer services. They can prohibit the placement of signs on an antenna facility just as they can regulate the placement of signs on the sides or roofs of buildings. • May the county prohibit how long in advance of an election that political signs may be posted? No. In the case of Collier v. Tacoma, 121 Wn.2d 737 (1993), the state supreme court held that the provision in the Tacoma Municipal Code that limited political signs to 60 days prior to an election was unconstitutional. So it is not legally possible to limit the time in advance of an election that political signs can be posted in the places where political signs are allowed. The court allowed a 10-day post-election removal requirement. The rights of
