Signs—Posting of rates.
Seattle Mun. Code § 6.48.040
in effect6.48.040 - Signs—Posting of rates.
A. Except as otherwise provided in subsections B and C of this section, it is unlawful for any person to demand or collect any charge for parking or for keeping or storing any motor vehicle in any public garage or parking lot unless there is erected and maintained at or near each entrance to such public garage or parking lot a permanent sign which is adequate to apprise anyone entering for the purpose of using such garage or parking lot of the following information and conforming to the following standards:
1. The word "park" or "parking" shall be clearly displayed on the sign, and the true or assumed name of the licensee shall be clearly identified at the top or the bottom of the sign, and such signs shall contain no other advertising. Any licensee using a trade or assumed name shall, when applying for a license or renewal thereof, furnish the Director with a certified copy of the filing with the County Clerk showing such trade or assumed name.
2. Signs shall contain numbers and letters indicating the time units and rate or rates for parking which are clearly readable and visible from a distance of 50 feet; provided, that, if a rate charged for any time period is higher than the rate usually charged for that time period the higher rate shall be designated on a sign in letters and numbers not less than 1.33 times the size of the largest letter or numeral indicating the rate usually charged, and the sign shall clearly indicate that a special rate is being charged.
3. Signs indicating more than one rate and time interval shall contain figures for each rate and time interval; rates shall be listed with the shortest time interval on the top and the all-day rate on the bottom.
4. Signs shall indicate any hours when the public garage or parking lot is not open for public parking and shall specify the night parking rate or weekend parking rate when such rate(s) differ from regularly posted rates.
5. Signs shall indicate specific hours when a night rate is applicable and/or specific days and hours when a weekend rate is applicable.
6. If any rate other than an all-day rate is to be charged, the maximum rate for all-day parking must be posted.
7. All numbers and letters on such signs shall be of a contrasting color to the background thereon.
8. The bottom line of rate information shall be at least six feet above the sidewalk level; provided that it may be lower if rate information cannot be obstructed at any time.
B. As to indoor parking facilities, such signs shall not be required to be erected and maintained at or near each entrance thereof and may alternatively be erected and maintained inside each entrance if:
1. Such signs are clearly readable and visible from a point within the indoor parking facility and from which point a motor vehicle can immediately and conveniently exit;
2. Such signs conform to the standards set forth in paragraphs 1 through 7 of subsection A, and in addition contain a statement indicating the immediate exit to be taken by a driver desiring to leave after reading the sign; and
3. No charge is demanded or collected for any motor vehicle which immediately exits following the reading of such a sign.
C. As to accessory parking facilities, such signs shall not be required to be maintained at or near the entrances thereof and may alternatively be erected and maintained within or immediately adjacent to each area in which motor vehicles are parked, stored or kept if:
1. Each such sign is clearly readable and visible from all points within each such area; and
2. Each such sign conforms to the standards set forth in paragraphs 1 through 8 of subsection A.
D. It is unlawful for any person to demand or collect any charge for the parking, keeping or storing of any motor vehicle in a public garage or parking lot in excess of the rates posted; provided, however, that the provisions of this section pertaining to the posting of parking rates shall not apply to rates which are determined by weekly, monthly, or longer periods of time, or to rates determined by written contract.
E. It is unlawful to demand or collect any charge for the parking, keeping or storing of any motor vehicle in a public garage or parking lot unless there is posted and maintained upon the premises of the public garage or parking lot at or near each place of payment, a public notice approved by the Director of Finance and Administrative Services. Such notice shall contain the following public convenience information:
1. The name and phone number of the licensee and the street address of the garage or lot;
2. Parking rates posted in the same order as listed on the parking sign;
3. The appropriate locations for making payment;
4. The name, address, and telephone number of the person, firm or agent authorized to impound in place or remove vehicles from the garage or lot; and
5. Any other information pertinent to the operation of the public garage or parking lot as specified by administrative regulations promulgated by the Director of Finance and Administrative Services.
(Ord. 123361, § 213, 2010; Ord. 120794, § 168, 2002: Ord. 117169, § 83, 1994; Ord. 106967, § 1, 1977; Ord. 105177, § 2, 1975; Ord. 104297, §§ 4, 5, 1975; Ord. 91059, 1962; Ord. 48022 §§ 148-A, 148-B, 1924.)
Source: City of Seattle, Seattle Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT6BURE_SUBTITLE_ILICO_CH6.48PUGAPALO_6.48.040SIOSRAFetched: 11/1/2026