Onsite Advertising Services LLC v. City of Seattle

MEMORANDUM *

Onsite Advertising Services (“Onsite”) appeals the district court’s order entering judgment for the City of Seattle (“Seattle”). Specifically, Onsite argues that the district court erred in upholding Seattle’s interpretation and application of its sign ordinance, SMC § 23.84.036, and in rejecting Onsite’s claim that the ordinance as applied to Onsite violated its rights to free speech under the First Amendment. We disagree, and affirm the order of the district court.

I.

Onsite is an advertising company that leases space for outdoor advertising signs on building walls and then arranges for businesses to place their advertising messages on the signs. Miller Brewing Company (“Miller”) hired Onsite to place advertisements for its product on the Squire Building, located within Seattle’s Pioneer Square Historic District, near the new Seattle Seahawks stadium and Safeco Field, home of the Seattle Mariners. Onsite informed Miller that the erection of signs in the Pioneer Square Historic District is generally prohibited, but that advertisements meeting the requirements for an “on-premises sign” under SMC § 23.84.036 may be issued a permit. SMC § 23.84.036 defines both…