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Home My WebLink AboutCOW 2026-04-27 Item 4D - Resolution - 2026 World Cup: Sign Holiday for Temporary SignageCity of Tukwila Thomas McLeod, Mayor Marty Wine, City Administrator AGENDA BILL ITEM NO. 4.D. Agenda Item the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Sponsor Nora Gierloff, Director, Department of Community Development Brandon Mies, Director, Strategic Initiatives and Government Relations Legislative History April 27, 2026 Committee of the Whole Suspending permitting for temporary banners and window signs during May 4, 2026 Regular Meeting Recommended Motion ❑ Discussion Only ❑x Action Requested MOVE TO adopt a resolution providing for a sign holiday for temporary signage during the 2026 World Cup; suspending certain requirements of the Tukwila Municipal Code Section 19.24.040 and 19.24.080; providing a sunset provision; and establishing an effective date. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY City staff is proposing to suspend enforcement of some temporary sign regulations to coincide with the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Staff is requesting this item be forwarded to the May 4th Regular Meeting Consent Agenda. DISCUSSION The Seattle region is preparing to host six matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup from June through July. The City's close proximity to Seattle -Tacoma International Airport, strong retail environment, and large hotel base will likely result in a significant number of visitors coming to the City during this time. The City's Office of Economic Development has been engaging with local businesses to help them prepare for increased activity and take advantage of this economic opportunity. The City is also planning to host a large block party on Baker Boulevard on June 13, as well as a viewing lounge at Westfield Southcenter that will operate throughout the duration of the World Cup. The City has also been exploring ways to support businesses during the World Cup. One opportunity identified is the temporary suspension of enforcement for certain temporary signage regulations from June 1 through August 1, 2026. Currently, the City limits temporary banners to no more than 64 square feet, with a maximum of two banners per business. In addition, temporary window signs are limited to 25 percent of the total window area. The attached resolution would temporarily suspend the size limit for banners and remove the cap on the total number of banners in commercial and industrial zones. Safety requirements, including setbacks from adjacent streets, would remain in effect. The resolution would also suspend limits on temporary window signs. These temporary provisions would be effective from June 1, 2026, through August 1, 2026. In addition, the City would waive any permit requirements for qualifying temporary signage during this period. Beginning August 2, 2026, any temporary signs not in compliance with existing City code would need to be removed or obtain any required permits. ATTACHMENTS • Draft Resolution 56 DRAFT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, PROVIDING A SIGN HOLIDAY FOR TEMPORARY SIGNAGE DURING THE 2026 WORLD CUP; SUSPENDING CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS OF TUKWILA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTIONS 19.24.040 AND 19.24.080; PROVIDING A SUNSET PROVISION; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the 2026 FIFA Soccer World Cup is scheduled to begin playing at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington in June of this year; and WHEREAS, Seattle will host a total of six matches, including two elimination matches; and WHEREAS, fans from all over the world, nation, and region will be visiting Seattle and adjacent communities, including the City of Tukwila ("City"); and WHEREAS, with nearly 2,000 hotel rooms, over 200 restaurants, and the largest mall in the Pacific Northwest, the City is expecting a significant number of visitors to the City during the World Cup; and WHEREAS, the City's Lodging Tax Advisory Committee and City Council have awarded over $2 million in lodging tax funds to prepare the City for the World Cup; and WHEREAS, the City is planning a variety of events in June and July as part of the World Cup celebration; and WHEREAS, the City is working with its businesses so they can attract customers and promote their activities during the World Cup; and WHEREAS, the City desires to exercise its prosecutorial discretion in enforcement of Title 19, the City of Tukwila Sign and Visual Communication Code ("Sign Code") in order to provide flexibility in temporary signage in certain areas of the City during the World Cup; 2026 Legislation: World Cup Sign Holiday Version: 04/20/2026 Staff: B. Miles Page 1 of 2 57 NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Suspension of Temporary Sign Regulations in Commercial and Industrial Zones. From June 1, 2026 to August 1, 2026, the City will not require a permit for temporary signs in commercial and industrial zones, as defined under Tukwila Municipal Code (TMC) sections 19.08.082, "Commercial Zones," and 19.08.150, "Industrial Zones". In addition, during this period the City will suspend enforcement actions for temporary signs in commercial and industrial zones that do not meet the criteria in TMC Sections 19.24.040(A), (B), and (D). Temporary signs must still meet the requirement in TMC Section 19.24.040(C), as well as all other applicable requirements under TMC Chapter 19.24, "Temporary Signs." Section 2. Suspension of Temporary Window Sign Regulations. From June 1, 2026 to August 1, 2026, the City will suspend enforcement actions for temporary window signs in commercial and industrial zones that do not meet the criteria in TMC Sections 19.24.080(B), (C), (D), (E), (F), and (G). Section 3. Content Neutral. This Resolution is an exercise of the City's prosecutorial discretion and shall apply equally to all temporary signage permitted under Sections 1 and 2 of this Resolution regardless of the content of the signage. Section 4. Sunset Clause. The provisions of this Resolution shall expire at midnight on August 2, 2026. After expiration of the Resolution, all signs not meeting the relevant provisions of the TMC shall either be removed or obtain required permits and meet all applicable requirements of Title 19, "Sign and Visual Communication Code". Section 5. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect and be in force immediately upon its passage. PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, at a Regular Meeting thereof this day of , 2026. ATTEST/AUTHENTICATED: Andy Youn-Barnett, CMC, City Clerk Armen Papyan, Council President APPROVED AS TO FORM BY: Filed with the City Clerk: Passed by the City Council: Resolution Number: Office of the City Attorney 2026 Legislation: World Cup Sign Holiday Version: 04/20/2026 Staff: B. Miles Page 2 of 2 58