Last week, the Bellevue City Council received a progress update from the City on the sign code updates that were initiated in Council last year. The updates stem from a 2015 United States Supreme Court decision which mandates that sign regulations be content-neutral, meaning that the content of signs generally may not be regulated, and that signs of the same type generally may not be regulated differently based on their content. For example, the City may not regulate a temporary traffic detour sign differently than a temporary political campaign sign.
Bellevue is using this mandated update as an opportunity to revise their sign code provisions as a whole. The scope of the update will include a complete rewrite of the existing code and establishment of a new Chapter 22.10 for sign code regulations. In Commercial and Mixed-Use Districts, the update seeks to create consistent standards, provide area-specific standards for Old Bellevue, continue allowance for high-rise signs for corporate headquarters or major tenants, allow limited freestanding digital/interactive kiosks along key corridors, and establish a pathway for Master Sign Plans across large/multi-building sites. In Residential districts, the update will create consistent standards and limit permanent signage allowed in a manner that is consistent with the current approach.
The City plans to provide another update to Council in December 2025 or January 2026 and continue with public engagement during that same time period. A Council Study Session and action are expected in early 2026. HCMP encourages clients to engage with the City on these updates early on. For more information on how the sign code update may impact your project, please reach out to Holly Golden or Layla Khademi.