Will state ban banners on Capitol Way bridge in Olympia?

The public is invited to an open house to discuss potential new policies for hanging banners from the pedestrian bridge over Capitol Way South in downtown Olympia.

The state-owned bridge on the Capitol Campus is a popular place to display banners that advertise local events.

However, the Department of Enterprise Services enacted a six-month “banner moratorium” in October to evaluate policies for permits, installation procedures, content and safety for pedestrians and passing motorists. No final decisions have been made.

The open house will run 5:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 5 at the department’s headquarters at 1500 Jefferson St. SE in the first-floor conference room.

Public feedback will be sought through March 1 and will help determine whether to leave the banner policy alone, restrict certain banner content or prohibit banners altogether on the bridge.

The department issues about 120 permits a year for bridge banners related to private, public and government events. Certain restrictions are already in place, such as banners related to political campaigns and ballot measures. The department reports it will honor 37 banner permits that were issued before the moratorium took effect.

Restrictions on banners do not violate the First Amendment because the bridge is considered a “limited public forum.” Under this definition, the government can restrict speakers and subject matter on public property, especially a property that isn’t intended for a public assembly or debate.

This story was originally published December 26, 2016 at 3:03 PM with the headline "Will state ban banners on Capitol Way bridge in Olympia?."