The Sign Code Update is a complete rewrite of the existing sign code and brings the code into compliance with applicable case law, simplifies and streamlines regulations and balances the needs and desires of the business community and residents. The City Council approved the Bellevue city code amendments on June 9, 2026. The code update ordinance has a delayed effective date of Feb. 1, 2027.
Background
In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Reed v. Town of Gilbert et al. that sign regulations must be content-neutral. This means that noncommercial signs of the same sign-type generally cannot be regulated differently based on their content. For example, within a specific location, a sign code cannot prohibit a temporary political sign while allowing a temporary directional sign to an event. Instead, the same standards must apply to all temporary signs, regardless of whether they display a political message or a directional arrow. This example illustrates why the city’s sign code must be updated to ensure requirements are content-neutral.
The last major update to the Sign Code occurred in 2006. Since then, challenges in interpreting and applying the code emerged, which revealed ambiguities and outdated provisions. The sign code update project became an opportunity to align the city’s regulations with relevant Supreme Court rulings while ensuring they meet the current needs of Bellevue and accommodate contemporary sign design and technology. This update establishes consistent, simplified, and streamlined standards that reflect the needs and desires of the community while reducing obstacles to application and understanding.
Additional information
Phase 1 Engagement Summary (Nov. 2025)
Project timeline and schedule
Aug. 6, 2024 City Council Study Session (Project Initiation)
Nov. 25, 2025 City Council Study Session (Project Update)
March 16, 2026 Public Information Session
April 14, 2026 City Council Study Session
June 9, 2026 City Council Action