Billboard Bonds

Series

Identifier: 1801-82

Scope and Contents Note

A collection of surety bonds issued from 1927 through 1934 where the City of Seattle acted as the obligee and Seattle businesses as the principals, issued by a variety of different surety companies or bonding agencies. These bonds were required of businesses by the City of Seattle before any billboards or rooftop signage could be built. Collection also contains correspondence between involved parties with regards to the status of these bonds7.

Dates

Creation: 1927-1938

Creator

Seattle (Wash.). City Clerk (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Records are open to the public.

Historical Note

The City Clerk maintains the City’s legislative records, official filings, and the Seattle Municipal Archives; keeps the minutes of City Council meetings; and provides information services to City agencies and the public. Seattle’s first City Charter allowed for a Clerk of the Common Council to be elected by the Council. In 1875 the position of City Clerk became elective and remained so until 1896 when the new Charter designated the Comptroller ex-officio City Clerk. The Comptroller served as City Clerk through 1992. A 1991 City Charter amendment transferred the Comptroller’s function to the Department of Finance and the City Clerk’s Office became a division of the Legislative Department effective in 1993.