Wenatchee City Council convened a public hearing on September 26, 2024, to discuss amendments to the city code regarding signage, specifically focusing on digital billboards and non-conforming signs. This hearing was a continuation from a previous meeting held on September 12, where Ordinance 2024-20 was tabled for further review.

Assistant Community Development Director Stephen Nuenschwander provided an overview of the ongoing discussions surrounding the city’s sign regulations, which began in 2019. The city had previously adopted an amortization plan requiring the removal of existing billboards by 2030. This plan faced challenges, including an appeal from Out Front Media, LLC, which led to negotiations resulting in a settlement agreement. Under this agreement, the city would allow a new digital billboard in exchange for the removal of seven existing billboards, effectively reducing the total number of billboards in the city.

Dan Drew, representing Out Front Media, emphasized the economic benefits of the settlement, arguing that it would prevent costly compensation claims for billboard removals. He noted that the proposed changes would not only reduce the number of billboards but also align with the city’s long-term goals of phasing out traditional signage.

However, public sentiment was mixed. Several residents and representatives from other billboard companies expressed concerns about the implications of the ordinance. Russell Spidel, a local resident, urged the council to reaffirm its commitment to phasing out billboards, questioning whether the proposed trade-off of four billboards for one digital sign was a fair deal. Neil Schreibeis from Lamar Outdoor Advertising suggested postponing the decision to allow for further negotiations, indicating a willingness to collaborate with the city on similar agreements.

After public comments, the council moved to close the hearing and proceeded to discuss the motion to adopt the ordinance. Council members acknowledged the extensive work that had gone into the original sign code and the importance of balancing community interests with business needs. The outcome of the vote on Ordinance 2024-20 remains pending as the council deliberates on the future of Wenatchee's signage regulations.