HomeMy WebLinkAboutReg 2026-05-04 Item 7A - Resolution - Sign Holiday for Temporary Signage During 2026 FIFA World CupCity of Tukwila
Thomas McLeod, Mayor
Marty Wine, City Administrator
AGENDA BILL
ITEM NO.
7.A.
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 ❑Z 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
257
Washington
eso uLion No.
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
258
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:
Office of the City Attorney
Filed with the City Clerk:
Passed by the City Council:
Resolution Number:
2026 Legislation: World Cup Sign Holiday
Version: 04/20/2026
Staff: B. Miles Page 2 of 2
259