A Tourist and Special Interest Sign Permit allows qualified businesses, attractions, and destinations to request directional signage within the Benton County road right-of-way to guide the traveling public to locations of interest.

These signs provide directional information only and are intended to help visitors locate destinations such as tourist attractions, recreational facilities, wineries, agricultural attractions, community facilities, and other approved points of interest.

Tourist and Special Interest Signs are installed, owned, and maintained by Benton County Public Works. Private individuals or businesses are not authorized to install signs within the County road right-of-way.

Who May Apply?

Applications may be submitted by businesses, organizations, or property owners requesting directional signage for an approved destination or point of interest within unincorporated Benton County.

Each request is reviewed by Benton County Public Works to determine whether the proposed signage complies with County standards and applicable regulations.

Unauthorized Signs

Signs placed within the County road right-of-way without Benton County approval are considered unauthorized.

Unauthorized signs are subject to removal by Benton County Public Works in accordance with RCW 46.61.075, which prohibits unauthorized traffic control devices and signs within the public right-of-way.

Application Requirements

The Tourist and Special Interest Sign Permit application is available only through Benton County's (CSS) Portal.

Before You Apply
Before beginning your application, gather the required information and documents listed below.

Applications that are incomplete or missing required documentation will not be accepted for review.

Required Documents

Sign Location Map

Upload a map clearly identifying the requested sign locations. The map should include:

  • The destination or business location
  • Proposed sign locations
  • County road names
  • Nearby intersections
  • Direction of travel
  • Any additional information necessary for Public Works to evaluate the request

Signed Permit Conditions

Applicants shall review, sign, and upload the Benton County Tourist and Special Interest Sign Permit Conditions.

The signed Conditions Page acknowledges acceptance of all permit requirements and future maintenance responsibilities.

The Conditions Page is available for download from the Benton County Public Works website.

Before You Begin Your CSS Application

Before submitting your application, verify that you have:

  • A completed sign location
  • A signed Tourist and Special Interest Sign Permit Conditions
  • Verified that all application information is complete and

Incomplete applications or applications missing required documentation will not be accepted for review.

Application Fees

The following fees apply:

Fee

Amount

Application Fee (Non-refundable)

$50

First Sign

$100

Second Sign

$100

Third Sign

$80

Fourth Sign

$80

Each Additional Sign

$70

Application fees are due at the time of application. Sign fees will be invoiced after the application has been approved.

Review Process

Benton County Public Works reviews complete applications in the order they are received. The typical review process includes:

  1. Public Works reviews the proposed sign locations for compliance with County standards and roadway safety.
  2. Review comments are provided if revisions are
  3. Once all comments have been addressed, the application is
  4. Sign fabrication and installation are

Public Works strives to complete the initial review within 10 business days.

If revisions are required, updated submittals are generally reviewed within 5 business days after they are received.

Installation

All Tourist and Special Interest Signs are fabricated and installed by Benton County Public Works.

Signs remain the property of Benton County.

Applicants may not install, relocate, remove, or modify approved signs.

Public Works generally installs approved signs within 20 business days following final approval.

If conflicts with utilities, roadway improvements, or other infrastructure prevent installation at the approved location, Public Works will contact the applicant to discuss an alternate location.

Maintenance

Benton County Public Works is responsible for maintaining Tourist and Special Interest Signs.

Applicants are responsible for the cost of repairing or replacing signs damaged by weather, vandalism, vehicle collisions, or other causes.

Before repairs are performed, Public Works will notify the applicant of the estimated cost. Applicants have five (5) business days to approve or decline the repair.

If the repair is declined, or if no response is received within five business days, Benton County may remove the sign.

Permit Term

Tourist and Special Interest Sign Permits are valid for three (3) years.

Approximately 90 days before the permit expires, Benton County Public Works will notify the applicant of the upcoming expiration and provide the opportunity to renew the permit for an additional three-year term.

There is no renewal fee provided:

  • No additional signs are
  • No changes to the approved permit are

If the permit is not renewed, Benton County will remove the signs.

Applicant Responsibilities

By submitting an application, the applicant acknowledges responsibility for:

  • Paying all applicable application and sign
  • Paying the cost of future sign replacement or repair, when
  • Keeping contact information current with Benton
  • Complying with all permit
  • Requesting approval before any future changes to approved

Questions?

If you have questions regarding Tourist and Special Interest Sign Permits, application requirements, sign eligibility, or the permit process, please contact Benton County Public Works before submitting your application.

Email: pwpermits@co.benton.wa.us

Phone: (509) 786-5611