27:5-11 Exceptions for certain roadside signs.

7. a. No permit shall be issued by the commissioner for roadside signs to be erected or maintained in any protected area visible from the main-traveled way of any Interstate or Primary System highway within the State, except as provided herein.

(1) In protected areas, only the following signs shall be permitted, subject to the regulations of the commissioner:

(a) Directional and other official signs and notices which are required or authorized by law, and which conform to national standards promulgated by the Secretary of Transportation of the United States.

(b) Signs located in zoned and unzoned commercial and industrial areas within 660 feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way, any part of which was acquired on or before July 1, 1956.

c. Signs advertising activities conducted on the property on which they are located.

(2) In portions of protected areas on the Interstate System the following may also be permitted:

(a) Signs located in commercial or industrial zones within the boundaries of incorporated municipalities as those boundaries existed on September 21, 1959, and all other areas where the land use as of September 21, 1959 was clearly established by State law as commercial or industrial within 660 feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way.

(b) Signs located in zoned and unzoned commercial and industrial areas within 660 feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way, any part of which was acquired on or before July 1, 1956.

(3) In protected areas on the Primary System, the following signs may also be permitted:

(a) Signs located in areas which are zoned industrial or commercial under the authority of State law.

(b) Signs located in areas determined to be industrial or commercial pursuant to State law.

b. No permit shall be issued by the commissioner for signs to be erected or maintained in any other area not covered by paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) above, except that permits for the following signs may also be permitted:

(1) Signs located in areas which are zoned industrial or commercial under the authority of State law.

(2) Signs located in areas determined to be industrial or commercial pursuant to State law.

c. In those instances where the commissioner deems it is in the public interest, he may issue a permit for a sign on public property which would not otherwise be permitted under the provisions of this act, and impose conditions as he deems appropriate, provided, however, that the State House Commission shall have previously reviewed and approved the issuance of such a permit.

L.1991,c.413,s.7; amended 2004, c.42, s.3.