Nac: Chapter 410 - Beautification Of Highways (United States)

Nac: Chapter 410 - Beautification Of Highways

Published: 2015

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NAC: CHAPTER 410 - BEAUTIFICATION OF HIGHWAYS

[Rev. 12/12/2018 12:45:36 PM]

[NAC-410 Revised Date: 12-18]

CHAPTER 410 - BEAUTIFICATION OF HIGHWAYS

GENERAL PROVISIONS

410.001 Definitions.

410.003 “Department” defined.

410.005 “Director” defined.

410.007 “Interstate” defined.

JUNKYARDS

410.010 Definitions.

410.020 “Industrial activity” defined.

410.030 “Landowner” defined.

410.040 “Main-traveled way” defined.

410.050 “Operator” defined.

410.060 “Unzoned industrial area” defined.

410.070 “Visible” defined.

410.080 “Zoned industrial area” defined.

410.090 Permits: Application; fee.

410.100 Junkyard screens.

410.110 Abatement proceedings.

410.120 Removal, relocation or abandonment of junkyard.

OUTDOOR ADVERTISING

Sign Permits; Construction of Signs

410.200 On-premise advertising signs.

410.210 Off-premise advertising signs: Land considered “off-premise.”

410.220 Off-premise advertising signs: Evidence constituting off-premise sign.

410.230 Sign permit: Prerequisites.

410.240 Sign permit: Application.

410.250 Sign permit: Submission of application; field inspection; priority or lottery system for granting application.

410.260 Sign permit: Issuance or denial.

410.270 Sign permit: Time limit for construction; cancellation of permit; extension; reapplication.

410.280 Sign permit: Cancellation; request for hearing; grounds for revocation.

410.290 Fees.

410.310 Maintenance or construction of sign on private property from within right-of-way of state prohibited; violation.

410.320 Sign construction: Unzoned commercial or industrial areas.

410.330 Sign construction: Maximum size limitations.

410.340 Sign construction: Minimum spacing requirements. [Effective until such date as the Department of Transportation of the State of Nevada and the Secretary of Transportation enter into an agreement by which the State of Nevada may regulate the areas outside of urbanized area boundaries for the purpose of enforcing the Highway Beautification Act (23 U.S.C. § 101 et seq.).]

410.340 Sign construction: Minimum spacing requirements. [Effective on such date as the Department of Transportation of the State of Nevada and the Secretary of Transportation enter into an agreement by which the State of Nevada may regulate the areas outside of urbanized area boundaries for the purpose of enforcing the Highway Beautification Act (23 U.S.C. § 101 et seq.).]

410.350 Sign construction: Illumination; commercial electronic variable message signs; permit and modification fee authorizing conversion of sign; correction of violations; removal of electronic variable message portion of sign for failure to correct.

410.360 Maintenance of signs; reconstruction.

410.370 Alterations; additions.

410.380 Blank signs.

410.390 Abandoned and unmaintained signs.

410.410 Compensation for sign to be removed; valuation process.

410.420 Change of ownership.

410.430 Directional and informational signs.

410.440 Political signs.

Directional and Official Signs

410.500 Definitions.

410.510 “Directional sign” defined.

410.520 “Official sign” defined.

410.530 “Public service sign” defined.

410.540 “Sign of a public utility” defined.

410.550 “Sign of a service club or religious organization” defined.

410.560 Severability.

410.570 Purpose.

410.580 Applicability.

410.590 Directional and official signs: Conformity with criteria.

410.600 Directional signs: Prohibited signs; limitations upon size, lighting, spacing, content and use.

410.610 Official signs: Size; location; type; number.

410.620 Public service signs.

410.625 Specifications for signs of service clubs and religious organizations.

410.630 Area of signs of service clubs and religious organizations; historical markers considered official signs.

Location of Signs

410.650 Definitions.

410.655 “Conforming area” defined.

410.660 “Defined area” defined.

410.670 “Nonconforming outdoor advertising sign” defined.

410.675 “Unacceptable commercial or industrial zone” defined.

410.680 Severability.

410.685 Applicability.

410.690 Sign location: Controlled areas.

410.695 Exemption of nonconforming signs: Requests for exemption from requirements for acquisition and removal.

410.700 Exemption of nonconforming signs: Requirements for exemption.

410.703 Exemption of nonconforming signs: Preexisting signs.

410.705 Exemption of nonconforming signs: Economic analysis.

410.710 Exemption of nonconforming signs: Requests for renewal.

410.715 Exemption of nonconforming signs: Review of requests.

410.720 Exemption of nonconforming signs: Preparation of request.

410.725 Unacceptable commercial or industrial zones: Determination of zones.

410.727 Unacceptable commercial or industrial zones: Determination of conforming and nonconforming areas; submission of documents.

410.730 Unacceptable commercial or industrial zones: Conforming areas within unacceptable zones.

410.735 Unacceptable commercial or industrial zones: Proof of contemplated commercial or industrial use; special conditions; changes to be reviewed.

410.740 Unacceptable commercial or industrial use: Conditional conformance; temporary conformance.

410.745 Unacceptable commercial or industrial zones: Failure to complete development; development in different area; resolution of intent to rezone.

410.750 Unacceptable commercial or industrial zones: Activity contemplated to circumvent purpose of program.

VIOLATIONS

410.775 Violation of chapter.

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

410.800 Effective dates of control by Department of alterations to and new routes added to interstate and primary routes.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

NAC 410.001 Definitions. (NRS 408.557, 410.330) As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NAC 410.003, 410.005 and 410.007 have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, eff. 12-11-98)

NAC 410.003 “Department” defined. (NRS 408.557, 410.330) “Department” means the Department of Transportation.

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, eff. 12-11-98)

NAC 410.005 “Director” defined. (NRS 408.557, 410.330) “Director” means the Director of the Department.

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, eff. 12-11-98)

NAC 410.007 “Interstate” defined. (NRS 408.557, 410.330) “Interstate” has the meaning ascribed to it in 23 U.S.C. § 103(e).

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, eff. 12-11-98)

JUNKYARDS

NAC 410.010 Definitions. As used in NAC 410.010 to 410.120, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NAC 410.020 to 410.080, inclusive, have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.

(Supplied in codification)

NAC 410.020 “Industrial activity” defined. (NRS 410.190) “Industrial activity” means an activity which is permitted only in an industrial zone or a less restrictive zone by the nearest zoning authority within the state or if prohibited by the authority is generally recognized as industrial activity by other zoning authorities within the state, except that none of the following is an industrial activity:

1. Any erection or maintenance of an outdoor advertising structure.

2. Any agricultural, forestry, ranching, grazing, farming or related activity, or operation of a wayside stand for sale of fresh produce.

3. Any activity normally and regularly in operation less than 3 months of the year.

4. Any transient or temporary activity.

5. Any activity not visible from the traffic lanes of the main-traveled way.

6. Any activity more than 300 feet from the nearest edge of the main-traveled way.

7. Any activity conducted in a building principally used as a residence.

8. Any operation of railroad tracks, a minor siding or a passenger depot.

9. Any creation or maintenance of a junkyard as defined in 23 U.S.C. § 136.

[Dep’t of Highways, Junkyard Control Reg. § II subsec. E, eff. 4-30-79]

NAC 410.030 “Landowner” defined. (NRS 410.190) “Landowner” means the owner of the land upon which a junkyard is located.

[Dep’t of Highways, Junkyard Control Reg. § II subsec. A, eff. 4-30-79]

NAC 410.040 “Main-traveled way” defined. (NRS 410.190)

1. “Main-traveled way” means the area of a highway, including the separated roadways of a divided highway, on which through traffic is carried.

2. A main-traveled way does not include such facilities as frontage roads, turning roadways, parking areas or ramps.

[Dep’t of Highways, Junkyard Control Reg. § II subsec. B, eff. 4-30-79]

NAC 410.050 “Operator” defined. (NRS 410.190) “Operator” means the owner of a junkyard or any person, firm, partnership, association or corporation engaged in the operation or maintenance of a junkyard.

[Dep’t of Highways, Junkyard Control Reg. § II subsec. C, eff. 4-30-79]

NAC 410.060 “Unzoned industrial area” defined. (NRS 410.190) “Unzoned industrial area” means any area which is:

1. Occupied by the regularly used building, parking lot or storage or processing area of an industrial activity located within 1,000 feet of an interstate or primary highway;

2. Located on the same side of the highway as the part of that activity;

3. Not predominantly used for residential or commercial purposes; and

4. Not zoned by any state law or regulation or by any local ordinance or regulation.

[Dep’t of Highways, Junkyard Control Reg. § II subsec. D, eff. 4-30-79]

NAC 410.070 “Visible” defined. (NRS 410.190) “Visible” means capable of being seen without visual aid by a person of normal visual acuity. For purposes of NAC 410.010 to 410.120, inclusive, a junkyard is not visible if the junk cannot be seen over, under, through or outside of the screen.

[Dep’t of Highways, Junkyard Control Reg. § II subsec. F, eff. 4-30-79]

NAC 410.080 “Zoned industrial area” defined. (NRS 410.190) “Zoned industrial area” means an area zoned for industry or manufacturing under a comprehensive zoning plan. Any zoning which permits certain industrial uses as an incident to the primary land use, or any holding, open-use or transitional-type zoning classification is an industrial zone.

[Dep’t of Highways, Junkyard Control Reg. § II subsec. G, eff. 4-30-79]

NAC 410.090 Permits: Application; fee. (NRS 410.190)

1. The Department will provide a copy of NAC 410.010 to 410.120, inclusive, and an application form for a required permit by certified mail to every operator of a junkyard subject to the provisions of NRS 410.095 to 410.210, inclusive.

2. The operator must complete the application and submit it within 30 days, with the required $10 fee, to:

Utilities Section

Department of Transportation

1263 South Stewart Street

Carson City, Nevada 89712

3. The Department will require a new application and fee only if a junkyard is acquired by another operator.

4. An application for a permit required by NRS 410.100 must contain:

(a) The name and address of the operator of the junkyard.

(b) The name and address of the landowner. If the operator is not the landowner, the application must contain a copy of the lease or agreement allowing occupancy or a notarized affidavit attesting to the operator’s right of occupancy.

(d) If the junkyard is located in an unzoned industrial area, a certificate to that fact by the county planning officer or other appropriate official.

(e) The date the junkyard was established.

(f) A description of any expansion of the junkyard since January 1, 1972.

(g) The notarized signature of the applicant.

(h) The date of the application.

[Dep’t of Highways, Junkyard Control Reg. § III subsecs. A, part B & C, eff. 4-30-79] — (NAC A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.100 Junkyard screens. (NRS 410.190) Junkyard screens established pursuant to the provisions of NRS 410.095 to 410.210, inclusive, whether by the Department or the operator, must be maintained by the operator if the screen is not within the right-of-way of the Department.

[Dep’t of Highways, Junkyard Control Reg. § III subsec. D, eff. 4-30-79] — (NAC A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.110 Abatement proceedings. (NRS 410.190, 410.210)

1. If the applicant’s junkyard does not comply with the requirements of NRS 410.120, a permit will be denied and, unless compliance is thereafter met pursuant to NRS 410.210, the junkyard will be abated.

2. The operator may reapply for a permit if he or she complies with the requirements of NRS 410.120 before abatement proceedings are instituted.

3. Abatement proceedings will be instituted pursuant to NRS 410.210 if the screen is not properly maintained and any portion of the junkyard becomes visible from the main-traveled way of the interstate or primary highway.

4. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 410.130, abatement proceedings may be instituted pursuant to NRS 410.210 if a quantity of junk equivalent to 10 or more automobiles becomes visible from the main-traveled way of the interstate or primary highway.

[Dep’t of Highways, Junkyard Control Reg. § III part of subsecs. C & E, eff. 4-30-79] — (NAC A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.120 Removal, relocation or abandonment of junkyard. (NRS 410.190)

1. The Department will acquire the minimum land necessary for the removal or relocation of a junkyard pursuant to the provisions of NRS 410.095 to 410.210, inclusive. Abandoned or worthless junk must be removed by the operator or landowner.

2. If the operator of a junkyard which has been inactive or abandoned for 1 year or more begins operating the junkyard again, the operator must comply with the requirements of NRS 410.095 to 410.210, inclusive, at his or her own expense.

[Dep’t of Highways, Junkyard Control Reg. § III subsec. F + § IV, eff. 4-30-79] — (NAC A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98)

OUTDOOR ADVERTISING

Sign Permits; Construction of Signs

NAC 410.200 On-premise advertising signs. (NRS 410.400)

1. On-premise advertising is not subject to the state’s outdoor advertising control.

2. A sign must meet the following tests to be considered an on-premise advertising device:

(a) The sign must be located on the same premises as the activity or property advertised. The premises on which an activity is conducted is determined by physical facts rather than property lines. Premises includes the area occupied by the buildings and appurtenances such as parking lots, storage areas, processing areas or areas for other physical uses that are customarily incident to the activity, including open spaces arranged and designed to be used in connection with the buildings or activities. In the case of large complexes where one or more related activities occur, such as the resort hotel-golf course or restaurant-service station complex, where the entire complex is under the same ownership, any of the separate activities may be advertised independently within the developed commercial or industrial area of the complex.

(b) The purpose of the advertising sign must be:

(1) The identification of the establishment or activity located on the premises or its products or services; or

(2) The sale or lease of the property on which the sign is located.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual p. 26, eff. 1-28-77]

NAC 410.210 Off-premise advertising signs: Land considered “off-premise.” (NRS 410.400) Certain situations constitute prima facie evidence that a sign is not an on-premise advertising device. The following are not considered a part of the premises on which the activity is conducted, and any signs located on such land are considered off-premise advertising subject to control by the State:

1. Any land which is not used as an integral part of the principal activity. This includes, but is not limited to, land which is separated from the activity by a roadway, highway or other obstruction and not used by the activity, and extensive undeveloped highway frontage contiguous to the land actually used by a commercial facility even though it might be under the same ownership.

2. Any land which is used for or devoted to a separate purpose unrelated to the advertised activity. For example, land adjacent to or adjoining a service station but devoted to raising of crops, residence or farmstead uses, or other commercial or industrial uses having no relationship to the service station activity, would not be part of the premises of the service station even though under the same ownership.

3. Any land which is:

(a) At some distance from the principal activity;

(b) In closer proximity to the highway than the principal activity;

(c) Developed or used only in the area of the site of the sign, or between the site of the sign and the principal activity; and

(d) Occupied solely by structures or uses which are only incidental to the principal activity, and which serve no reasonable or integrated purpose related to the activity other than to attempt to qualify the land as a site for signs. Generally, these are inexpensive facilities, such as picnic, playground or camping areas, dog kennels, golf driving ranges, skeet ranges, common or private roadways or easements, walking paths, fences and sign maintenance sheds.

4. Where the sign is located at or near the end of a narrow strip contiguous to the advertised activity, the site of the sign is not considered part of the premises on which the activity being advertised is conducted. A narrow strip includes, but is not limited to, any configuration of land which is such that it cannot be put to any reasonable use related to the activity other than as a site for signs. In no event is the site of a sign considered part of the premises on which the advertised activity is conducted if it is located upon a narrow strip of land:

(a) Which is unsuitable for building, such as swampland, marshland or other wetland;

(b) Which is a common or private roadway; or

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual pp. 26 & 27, eff. 1-28-77] — (NAC A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.220 Off-premise advertising signs: Evidence constituting off-premise sign. (NRS 410.400) For the purpose of the sign, the following constitutes evidence of an off-premise sign subject to control by the State:

1. When a sign:

(a) Brings rental income to the landowner; and

(b) Consists principally of brand name or trade name advertising, and the product or service advertised is only incidental to the principal activity,

Ê it is considered the business of outdoor advertising and not an on-premise sign. An example is a typical billboard located on top of a service station advertising a brand of cigarettes or chewing gum which is incidentally sold in a vending machine on the property.

2. A sign which advertises activities conducted on the premises, but which also advertises in a prominent manner activities not conducted on the premises, is not an on-premise sign. An example would be a sign advertising a motel or restaurant not located on the premises with a notation or attachment stating “Skeet Range Here,” or “Dog Kennels Here.” The on-premise activity would only be the skeet range or the dog kennels.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual pp. 27 & 28, eff. 1-28-77] — (NAC A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.230 Sign permit: Prerequisites. (NRS 410.400) A sign permit cannot be issued unless the proposed site of the sign is located in either a zoned or unzoned commercial or industrial area and unless the proposed sign conforms to the size, spacing and lighting requirements, except for approved directional or informational signs described in NAC 410.430.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual p. 6, eff. 1-28-77] — (NAC A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.240 Sign permit: Application. (NRS 410.400)

1. Sign permit applications are available at the district offices of the Department.

2. The following information must be submitted by the applicant:

(a) The name of the owner of the sign.

(b) The mailing address of the owner of the sign.

(d) A copy of the signed consent of the landowner or a notarized affidavit by the owner of the sign declaring a right of occupancy to the site of the sign must be attached to the application.

(e) The city or county in which the sign is to be located.

(f) The highway name or route number.

(g) The side of the highway along which the sign is to be located.

(h) The approximate location of the sign from an identifiable landmark, intersection, milepost or other existing sign.

(i) If the site of a sign is located in a zoned industrial or commercial area, the zone affidavit on the reverse side of the application must be executed by the appropriate zoning authority. If the site is located in an unzoned industrial or commercial area, a sketch map of the area showing the dimensions of the buildings and proximity of the proposed sign must be attached to the application.

(j) Land use.

(k) If a sign exists, the date it was erected must be indicated. If it is a new sign, the date the sign is to be erected must be indicated.

(l) The height and width of the advertising area must be indicated, including border and trim, but excluding the base or apron, supports and other structural members.

(m) The sign area must be measured by the smallest square, rectangle, triangle, circle or combination thereof which will encompass the entire sign face. A double-faced sign will require one permit with the annual fee based on the total advertising area.

(n) The sign area of all advertising faces for the structure.

(o) The distance from the bottom of the panel to the ground.

(p) The number and size of posts.

(q) The post material.

(r) Illumination.

(s) A photo or sketch of the sign must be attached to the application.

3. The applicant must affix his or her signature and date in the space provided on the application along with the applicant’s title, if he or she is not the owner of the sign.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual pp. 11, 12 & 13, eff. 1-28-77] — (NAC A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.250 Sign permit: Submission of application; field inspection; priority or lottery system for granting application. (NRS 410.400)

1. The sign permit application must be submitted to the district office of the Department in the area where the proposed sign is to be located. The utility inspector shall make a field inspection to determine conformity of the location and:

(a) The stationing; or

(b) The mileposts,

Ê for the proposed sign.

2. The utility inspector shall forward the application with a report of his or her field inspection:

(a) To the headquarters building in Carson City; or

(b) If the proposed site of the sign is located in District 1, to the Right-of-Way Division of the Department of Transportation at 123 East Washington Avenue, P.O. Box 170, Las Vegas, Nevada 89125-0170.

3. The applicant must clearly mark the exact location of the proposed sign to enable the utility inspector to perform the required inspection.

4. The Department will grant an application on the basis of:

(a) A priority system, as set forth in subsection 5; or

(b) A lottery system, as set forth in subsection 6.

5. When the application is received by the Department, it will be logged in with the date and time received and marked by the recipient. If the application is incorrect or incomplete, it will be mailed back to the applicant without being logged. During the interim, while the applicant is completing or correcting the returned application, the Department may receive a complete and correct application which then receives priority as to spacing requirements.

6. If the Department determines that it is in the public interest, the Department may select applicants on the basis of a lottery system. To qualify for the lottery, an application must be correct and complete when received by the Department. If the application is incorrect or incomplete, it will be mailed back to the applicant without being entered into the lottery. The applicant may complete or correct the returned application and resubmit the application to the Department before the date on which the applications for the lottery are due.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual pp. 13 & 14, eff. 1-28-77] — (NAC A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.260 Sign permit: Issuance or denial. (NRS 410.400)

1. If the site of the proposed sign conforms, a metal permit tag will be issued for the proposed sign and furnished to the applicant with a copy of the approved sign permit application. The applicant will be responsible for conspicuously attaching the metal permit tag to the specific sign structure for which it is issued so that it is visible from the roadway. In lieu of attaching the metal permit tag, the applicant may paint the assigned permit number on the sign at a location that is clearly visible from the roadway. If the sign is painted, the same color scheme utilized on the tag, which is yellow on black, must be followed. The yellow numerals must be painted on the solid black background measuring at least 6 inches by 12 inches. The yellow numerals must be at least 2 1/2 inches high and must be clearly legible.

2. If painted permit numbers are used, they may be placed in either a horizontal or vertical configuration, whichever will provide the greatest visibility from the roadway.

3. If the site of the proposed sign is determined to be nonconforming and a sign permit is denied, the applicant will be reimbursed with a state warrant in that amount attributable to the annual fee. The inspection fee will be retained to defray expenses incurred by the State.

4. Approval of an application and issuance of a permit does not alleviate an applicant from complying with all applicable county or local regulations. Any violation of county or local regulations may result in cancellation of the permit.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual pp. 17 & 18, eff. 1-28-77] — (NAC A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.270 Sign permit: Time limit for construction; cancellation of permit; extension; reapplication. (NRS 410.400)

1. The applicant has 180 days after the time the permit is granted to construct the sign. Should the construction not be completed within the 180-day period, the permit will be subject to cancellation with full forfeiture of fees previously submitted. This cancellation occurs immediately upon expiration of the 180-day period, and no 30-day violation notice will be sent. A cancellation notice must be sent to inform the owner of the sign. Extensions on the 180-day construction period will generally not be granted. However, when the applicant provides documentary proof that the construction has been delayed through no fault of the applicant, such as a long-pending approval of a local governing agency, an extension may be granted. Cases will be treated on their own merit. Any extension will be at the discretion of the Department. In no instance will the availability of materials or contract problems qualify for a time extension.

2. If a permit is cancelled due to violation of the 180-day construction period, the applicant may reapply for a permit. This reapplication will involve filling out a new application and submitting it with full fees. The reapplication will also be subject to the effect of intervening applications received between the time of cancellation and reapplication for spacing requirements.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual p. 13, eff. 1-28-77] — (NAC A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.280 Sign permit: Cancellation; request for hearing; grounds for revocation. (NRS 410.400)

1. A sign permit may be cancelled in accordance with subsection 2 of NRS 410.330. Such cancellation will result in the removal of the sign at the sign owner’s expense. If the owner of the sign objects to any cancellation, he or she may request a hearing before an ad hoc committee to be comprised of the Director or the Director’s authorized representative, the chief right-of-way agent or the authorized representative of the chief right-of-way agent, and a member of the sign industry, the latter to be selected by the sign association of Nevada, who shall submit two names to the State Highway Engineer for his or her selection. The decision of this hearing board, which must be made by majority vote, is final.

2. Hearings must be scheduled as the need arises.

3. Failure to take immediate corrective action as indicated by the issuance of an Outdoor Advertising Violation Notice or the removal or destruction of flora from within the highway right-of-way or adjacent areas in accordance with subsection 5 of NRS 410.320 to maintain visibility or to support an advertising sign will result in revocation of the permit.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual p. 18, eff. 1-28-77] — (NAC A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.290 Fees. (NRS 410.400)

1. A check payable to the Department, in the total amount of the inspection fee and applicable annual fee, must accompany the sign permit application. The breakdown of the fees submitted for inspection fees, annual permit fees and the total amount of the fees must be indicated.

2. Each off-premise outdoor advertising sign maintained within any area subject to state control on or after March 15, 1972, will be assessed an annual permit fee of $50. Unused portions of annual permit fees are nonrefundable, and the entire fee will be assessed for a sign installation during any part of a calendar year.

3. Any fees for sign permits which are more than 30 days delinquent may result in the cancellation of the permit and removal of the sign if a new permit cannot be granted pursuant to NAC 410.200 to 410.440, inclusive.

4. An inspection fee in the amount of $150 will be assessed for each off-premise outdoor advertising sign erected within any area subject to control by the Department to defray expenses incurred by the Department for its field inspection. Any work performed in addition to normal inspection of the site and processing the application will be billed to the applicant in addition to the inspection fee. Once the field inspection has been performed, any fee assessed or billed to the applicant pursuant to this subsection is nonrefundable.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual pp. 12, 13 & 17, eff. 1-28-77] — (NAC A 12-16-82; A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.310 Maintenance or construction of sign on private property from within right-of-way of state prohibited; violation. (NRS 410.400) The maintenance or construction of a sign on private property from within the right-of-way of the state is prohibited. Any violation of this requirement may result in the revocation of the sign permit and the removal of the sign at the owner’s expense.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual p. 11, eff. 1-28-77] — (NAC A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.320 Sign construction: Unzoned commercial or industrial areas. (NRS 410.400)

1. An unzoned commercial or industrial area is an area not zoned by state or local law, regulation or ordinance, and on which there is located one or more permanent structures devoted to a commercial or industrial activity or on which a commercial or industrial activity is actually conducted, whether or not a permanent structure is located thereon, and the area along the highway extending 600 feet from and beyond the edge of such activity, provided such adjacent area is not zoned other than commercial or industrial. In addition, lands on the opposite side of the highway to the extent of the same dimensions will be considered as an unzoned commercial or industrial area provided those lands on the opposite side are not considered scenic or as having esthetic value. In the event the area on the opposite side of the highway is deemed scenic, then only the side of the highway having a commercial activity located thereon is considered to be unzoned commercial or industrial.

2. All measurements must be from the outer edges of the regularly used buildings, parking lots, storage or processing and landscaped areas of the commercial or industrial activities, not from the property lines of the activities, and must be along or parallel to the edge of pavement of the highway.

3. A sketch showing the relationship of the proposed sign to the unzoned commercial or industrial area, and a description of the activity conducted which qualifies the site as being unzoned commercial or industrial, must be submitted for each new sign to be constructed in such an area. For example:

4. The designation of an unzoned commercial or industrial area applies only in areas not specifically zoned.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual p. 7, eff. 1-28-77]

NAC 410.330 Sign construction: Maximum size limitations. (NRS 410.400)

1. The maximum:

(a) Area for a single face of a sign is 1,200 square feet. The area must be measured by the smallest square, rectangle, triangle, circle or combination thereof which will encompass the entire sign.

(b) Height of a face of any sign is 30 feet.

2. The limitations for the size of signs set forth in paragraphs (b) and (c) of subsection 1 apply to each side of a sign.

3. A sign may be placed back to back or side to side on the same structure.

4. A sign may be placed in a V-shape with not more than two displays to each facing. Such a sign shall be deemed to be one sign.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual p. 8, eff. 1-28-77] — (NAC A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.340 Sign construction: Minimum spacing requirements. [Effective until such date as the Department of Transportation of the State of Nevada and the Secretary of Transportation enter into an agreement by which the State of Nevada may regulate the areas outside of urbanized area boundaries for the purpose of enforcing the Highway Beautification Act (23 U.S.C. § 101 et seq.).] (NRS 410.400)

1. On interstate and federal-aid primary highways, signs must not be located in such a manner as to obscure or otherwise physically interfere with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, signal or device, or obstruct or physically interfere with the driver’s view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic.

2. For signs along interstate highways and controlled-access freeways:

(a) No two structures may be spaced less than 500 feet apart.

(b) Outside of incorporated cities, no structure may be located adjacent to or within 500 feet of an interchange, intersection at grade or safety rest area. The 500 feet must be measured along the interstate or freeway from the beginning or ending of pavement widening at the exit from or entrance to the main-traveled way.

3. For signs along nonfreeway primary highways:

(a) Outside of incorporated villages and cities, including the area within unincorporated towns and villages, no two structures may be spaced less than 300 feet apart.

(b) Within incorporated villages and cities, no two structures may be spaced less than 100 feet apart.

4. For signs along all controlled routes, the provisions of this section do not apply to structures separated by buildings or other obstructions situated in a manner so that only one sign located within the spacing distances described in this section is visible from the highway at any one time, in both directions of travel.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual pp. 9 & 10, eff. 1-28-77] — (NAC A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.340 Sign construction: Minimum spacing requirements. [Effective on such date as the Department of Transportation of the State of Nevada and the Secretary of Transportation enter into an agreement by which the State of Nevada may regulate the areas outside of urbanized area boundaries for the purpose of enforcing the Highway Beautification Act (23 U.S.C. § 101 et seq.).] (NRS 410.400)

2. For signs along interstate highways and controlled-access freeways:

(a) No two structures may be spaced less than 500 feet apart.

(b) Outside of urbanized area boundaries, no structure may be located adjacent to or within 500 feet of an interchange, intersection at grade or safety rest area. The 500 feet must be measured along the interstate or freeway from the beginning or ending of pavement widening at the exit from or entrance to the main-traveled way. As used in this paragraph, “urbanized area boundaries” has the meaning ascribed to it in 23 U.S.C. § 101(a).

3. For signs along nonfreeway primary highways:

(a) Outside of incorporated villages and cities, including the area within unincorporated towns and villages, no two structures may be spaced less than 300 feet apart.

(b) Within incorporated villages and cities, no two structures may be spaced less than 100 feet apart.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual pp. 9 & 10, eff. 1-28-77] — (NAC A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98; R058-97, 12-11-98, effective on such date as the Department of Transportation of the State of Nevada and the Secretary of Transportation enter into an agreement by which the State of Nevada may regulate the areas outside of urbanized area boundaries for the purpose of enforcing the Highway Beautification Act (23 U.S.C. § 101 et seq.))

NAC 410.350 Sign construction: Illumination; commercial electronic variable message signs; permit and modification fee authorizing conversion of sign; correction of violations; removal of electronic variable message portion of sign for failure to correct. (NRS 410.400)

1. Signs, including, without limitation, commercial electronic variable message signs, must not be erected or maintained in such a way that illumination interferes with the effectiveness of or obscures any official traffic sign, device or signal. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 9, signs must not include or be illuminated by flashing, intermittent or moving lights, except any parts necessary to give public service information such as the time, date, temperature, weather or similar information and must not cause beams or rays of light to be directed at the traveled way if the light is of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or impair the vision of the driver of any motor vehicle, or to interfere with any driver’s operation of a motor vehicle. Illumination or lights for signs must not resemble or simulate any lights used to control traffic or other lights used to provide a warning or a danger signal.

2. A commercial electronic variable message sign may be approved as an off-premise outdoor advertising sign in an urban area if the sign:

(a) Does not interfere with any driver’s operation of a motor vehicle in the right-of-way of the roadway.

(b) Conforms with established criteria relating to zoning, size, lighting and spacing.

(d) Does not intentionally emit odors, smoke or sound except those odors or sounds which are by their nature a part of the operation or display of such a sign.

(e) Meets the applicable requirements of this section.

3. A commercial electronic variable message sign which is a digital billboard must:

(a) Contain static messages which do not:

(1) Move or create the appearance or illusion of movement during the display of each static message; and

(2) Include lights which vary in intensity for each static message or which flash.

(b) Be operated with sufficient safeguards and monitoring in place to prevent the sign and its operating system, including, without limitation, software, hardware, networks and infrastructure, from being accessed, used or misused by unauthorized persons.

(d) In a county whose population is:

(1) Not more than 700,000, have a minimum display time for each static message of not less than 8 seconds.

(2) More than 700,000, have a minimum display time for each static message of not less than 6 seconds.

(e) Use technology that automatically adjusts the brightness or luminance of the digital billboard display lighting to ensure that during nighttime such lighting does not exceed:

(1) A brightness level of three-tenths of one foot-candle above ambient light, when measured as required pursuant to subsection 4; or

(2) In a county whose population is:

(I) Not more than 700,000, a luminance of 250 nits, when measured as required pursuant to subsection 5; or

(II) More than 700,000, a luminance of 350 nits, when measured as required pursuant to subsection 5.

(f) In the event of a malfunction that does or could violate the provisions of this section, until the malfunction has been corrected, be:

(1) Turned off;

(2) Set to display a full black image; or

(3) Frozen on an authorized image,

Ê by the owner of the digital billboard.

4. Compliance with the brightness levels pursuant to subparagraph (1) of paragraph (e) of subsection 3 must be measured:

(a) Not less than 30 minutes after sunset and not less than 30 minutes before sunrise; and

(b) With a foot-candle meter used within the following distance parameters relative to the size of the face of the digital billboard:

Size of sign face Distance of measurement

Up to 300 square feet............................................ 150 feet

301-385 square feet............................................... 200 feet

386-680 square feet............................................... 250 feet

681-1200 square feet............................................. 350 feet

5. Compliance with the luminance levels required pursuant to subparagraph (2) of paragraph (e) of subsection 3 must be measured:

(a) Not less than 30 minutes after sunset and not less than 30 minutes before sunrise; and

(b) With a luminance meter or nit gun with an accuracy of 3 percent or better.

6. A commercial electronic variable message sign which is a trivision sign must:

(a) In a county whose population is:

(1) Not more than 700,000, have a minimum display time for each static message of not less than 8 seconds and a change interval of not more than 3 seconds; or

(2) More than 700,000, have a minimum display time for each static message of not less than 6 seconds and a change interval of not more than 3 seconds.

(b) Contain a mechanism which stops the sign in a stationary position in the case of a malfunction.

7. The Department may allow a permit for an existing sign to be modified to authorize conversion of a sign from a sign which is not a commercial electronic variable message sign to a commercial electronic variable message sign or from a sign which is a commercial electronic variable message sign to a sign which is not a commercial electronic variable message sign if:

(a) The sign meets the applicable requirements of NRS and this chapter.

(b) A permit modification fee of $800 is paid to the Department.

(c) If applicable, the sign has been approved by the relevant local government or is a nonconforming sign under local law but has been granted grandfathered conforming status by the relevant local government, and the conversion has been approved by the relevant local government.

8. If a commercial electronic variable message sign is installed or modified pursuant to this section and the commercial electronic variable message portion of the sign does not comply with the requirements of this section, the owner of the sign, not more than 60 days after receipt of written notice by the Department, must correct any violations or remove the commercial electronic variable message portion of the sign at the owner’s expense. After 60 days, if the owner has not corrected the violations or removed the sign, the Department may remove the commercial electronic variable message portion of the sign at the owner’s expense. The owner of an outdoor advertising sign from which the commercial electronic variable message portion of the sign has been removed pursuant to this subsection may continue to operate all other portions of the sign.

9. A digital billboard that meets the requirements of this section shall be deemed to not:

(a) Include or be illuminated by flashing, intermittent or moving lights; and

(b) Cause glare.

10. As used in this section:

(a) “Change interval” means the amount of time it takes a trivision sign to transition from one static message to the next static message.

(b) “Commercial electronic variable message sign” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 410.400. The term does not include a sign located within a roadway right-of-way and that:

(1) Functions as a traffic control device; and

(2) Is described or identified in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices adopted in NAC 408.411.

(1) May be internally or externally illuminated; and

(2) Utilizes digital message technology capable of changing the static message or copy on the sign electronically.

(d) “Flashing, intermittent or moving lights” include, without limitation, any object which simulates or creates the effect of flashing, intermittent or moving lights, such as reflective disks or slats, both stationary or moveable, which reflect light.

(e) “Foot-candle” means a unit of measurement of light intensity.

(f) “Glare” means a visual condition in which there is excessive contrast or an inappropriate distribution of light sources which limit a person’s ability to distinguish details and objects.

(g) “Luminance” means the quantitative measure of brightness of a light source or an illuminated surface.

(h) “Nit” means a unit of measurement of luminance.

(i) “Nit gun” means a device which measures the amount of light emanating from a specific light source in nits.

(j) “Trivision sign” means a type of off-premise commercial electronic variable message sign on which the static message or copy on the sign can be changed by movement or rotation of panels or slats. Such change can be made mechanically or electronically, and may be accomplished through the use of remote control.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual p. 11, eff. 1-28-77] — (NAC A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98; R153-16, 6-13-2018)

NAC 410.360 Maintenance of signs; reconstruction. (NRS 410.400)

1. Maintained signs must be kept in a state of ordinary repair. As used in this subsection, “ordinary repair” means such maintenance, repair, upkeep and refurbishing of the sign as is required to allow the sign to exist for its normal expected life.

2. Any nonconforming or grandfathered conforming sign that sustains damage from wind, or accidental external influence beyond the control of the owner of the sign in excess of 50 percent of the cost of the components of the supporting structure, including, without limitation, the main supports, braces and stringers, shall be deemed totally destroyed. Advertising panels are not components of the supporting structure. Any reconstruction of such a sign must meet all criteria for the construction of a new sign at that location.

3. Pursuant to the authority in NRS 410.220, the following applies to the maintenance of outdoor advertising structures:

(a) No outdoor advertising structures may be maintained from across right-of-way control of access fences or boundaries. Any violation of this provision will result in immediate cancellation of the sign permit with no prior notice.

(b) Improper maintenance of outdoor advertising structures will, at the discretion of the Director, result in the revocation of any sign permits or licenses of the offending structure, and the owner will be required to remove the same within 30 days after notification.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual pp. 18 & 19, eff. 1-28-77] — (NAC A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.370 Alterations; additions. (NRS 410.400)

1. Signs may have additions or cutouts placed on them. However, for nonconforming and grandfathered conforming signs, the owner of the sign must first grant the Department written certification that he or she will accept the then-existing inventory data of the Department regarding the size of the sign and material of construction and illumination. The inventory description of the Department of the sign must be used solely for the purpose of valuating altered signs.

2. Additions, cutouts or illumination may be placed on conforming signs which meet all size, spacing and lighting requirements without prior notification to the Department. Any change which violates the size or lighting requirements must result in permit cancellation.

3. No major structural change or addition is allowed when placing approved additions or cutouts on nonconforming or grandfathered conforming signs. The only structural change that is allowed is that required to attach the addition or cutout to the existing sign frame.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual p. 20, eff. 1-28-77] — (NAC A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.380 Blank signs. (NRS 410.400) A sign may remain blank, painted out or contain “dead copy,” such as advertising a defunct business or product or the former name of an existing business, for a period of 1 year. At the end of the 1-year period, the sign permit may be cancelled. Permits may be reissued only for signs in conforming areas that meet all the criteria for the construction of new signs, and permit applications must be accompanied by inspection and annual permit fees or, for signs on which the owner of the sign can furnish documentary proof that the sign is being actively maintained, that it is a current structure on his or her plant inventory and that he or she has held a valid lease or agreement, accompanied by documentation of the expenditure of the stipulated rental fee during the term of the blank status. Furnishing this evidence within 30 days after the cancellation of the permit constitutes proof that the owner of the sign has not abandoned his or her interest in the structure, and the cancelled permit may be reinstated for no fee.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual p. 20, eff. 1-28-77] — (NAC A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.390 Abandoned and unmaintained signs. (NRS 410.400) Abandoned and unmaintained signs must be removed by the Department with no compensation being paid to the owner.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual p. 18, eff. 1-28-77]

NAC 410.410 Compensation for sign to be removed; valuation process. (NRS 410.400)

1. The basic criteria for determining whether the Department can offer compensation for the sign to be removed is as follows:

(a) The sign must have been legally erected and maintained on or before March 15, 1972. Signs will not be purchased until federal money is made available for participation in such purchases.

(b) The sign must enjoy legal occupancy status from the time of erection until purchase by the state.

(d) The sign must not have undergone any substantial change in configuration since March 15, 1972, although normal maintenance is permitted.

(e) The sign must have a sign permit issued by this state.

(f) Nonconforming signs on routes which have been added to the interstate or primary system subsequent to March 15, 1972, must be removed within 5 years after the date the route was added to the system. They may qualify for compensation subject to meeting the required occupancy tests.

2. When the valuation process begins for signs eligible for purchase, the owner of the sign shall furnish the Department with copies of his or her leases or agreements with the property owner delineating the terms and conditions of occupancy within 30 days after such a request by the Department. If a formal lease or agreement does not exist, the owner shall furnish the Department with a notarized affidavit attesting to his or her occupancy right and stating the amount of site rental paid for the last 2 calendar years, the party to whom sums for the lease were paid and the address of that party.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual p. 21, eff. 1-28-77] — (NAC A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.420 Change of ownership. (NRS 410.400)

1. If an outdoor advertising sign governed by the provisions of NAC 410.200 to 410.440, inclusive, changes ownership, the new owner shall inform the Department of the change within 60 days after the change of ownership or November 1 of the calendar year, whichever is sooner, to allow enough time to change the name and address on the billing for the permit fee.

2. A notice given pursuant to this section must include a bill of sale from the previous owner to the new owner or an affidavit signed by the previous owner confirming the change in ownership.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual p. 21, eff. 1-28-77] — (NAC A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.430 Directional and informational signs. (NRS 410.400)

1. An authorized directional or informational sign, as authorized by NRS 410.400, may not be erected without first obtaining a sign permit from the Department. No fee will be charged for the permit which is revocable.

2. Revocable sign permits must be obtained from the Department for authorized directional and informational signs allowed upon highway rights-of-way. Applications are available at the district offices of the Department. The holder of the permit shall maintain the sign and ensure that no unauthorized panels are placed on the sign.

3. Authorized directional and informational signs may be located within the right-of-way of noncontrolled access highways. However, such sign structures must be constructed outside the clear roadside area and must meet accepted breakaway requirements. If any installations within the right-of-way are subsequently deemed a safety hazard, they must be removed or relocated within 30 days after receipt of a notice to that effect. All determinations for allowing the erection of or requiring the removal or relocation of such signs are at the discretion of the Director.

4. The district traffic engineer shall establish standards for directional and information signs to be located within a highway right-of-way. Such signs must be erected by the Department. The holder of the permit shall pay the cost of erecting such a sign.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual pp. 21, 22, 25, 47 & 48, eff. 1-28-77] — (NAC A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.440 Political signs. (NRS 410.400)

1. All political signs erected within the controlled areas of the interstate and primary routes are subject to NAC 410.200 to 410.440, inclusive.

2. Before each statewide:

(a) Primary election; or

(b) General election, if there is no statewide primary election,

Ê informational packets explaining general requirements for political signs will be delivered to the Secretary of State and the clerk of each county and municipality. The Secretary of State or clerk shall distribute to each candidate and sponsor of a ballot question the informational packet.

3. No political sign may be attached to the fencing for a right-of-way or be placed within the Department’s right-of-way for roads, district offices, major maintenance stations, surplus and excess properties, and property acquired by the Department for future roadway construction.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual p. 22, eff. 1-28-77] — (NAC A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98)

Directional and Official Signs

NAC 410.500 Definitions. As used in NAC 410.500 to 410.630, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NAC 410.510 to 410.550, inclusive, have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.

(Supplied in codification)

NAC 410.510 “Directional sign” defined. (NRS 410.400)

1. “Directional sign” means a sign containing directional information for the traveling public about:

(a) A public place owned or operated by the federal or state government or a local government or one of its agencies;

(b) A publicly or privately owned natural phenomenon;

(d) An area of natural scenic beauty or an area naturally suited for outdoor recreation.

2. The term is limited to an official sign and a sign of a public utility, service club, religious organization or a public service sign.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual, Supp. part § V subsec. A, eff. 10-17-80]

NAC 410.520 “Official sign” defined. (NRS 410.400) “Official sign” means a sign or notice erected and maintained by a public officer or agency within the territorial or zoning jurisdiction of the officer or agency pursuant to law, ordinance or regulations for the purposes of carrying out an official duty or responsibility.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual, Supp. part § V subsec. A, eff. 10-17-80]

NAC 410.530 “Public service sign” defined. (NRS 410.400) “Public service sign” means a sign which:

1. Is located on a shelter at a school bus stop if the shelter is authorized or approved by a law, ordinance or regulation and is at a place approved by the city, county or state agency controlling the highway involved; and

2. Identifies the donor, sponsor or contributors of the shelter.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual, Supp. part § V subsec. A, eff. 10-17-80]

NAC 410.540 “Sign of a public utility” defined. (NRS 410.400) “Sign of a public utility” means a sign, notice or marker which provides a warning or information and is customarily erected and maintained by a publicly or privately owned utility as essential to its operations.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual, Supp. part § V subsec. A, eff. 10-17-80]

NAC 410.550 “Sign of a service club or religious organization” defined. (NRS 410.400) “Sign of a service club or religious organization” means a sign or notice whose erection is authorized by law and which relates to a meeting of a nonprofit service club, charitable association or religious service.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual, Supp. part § V subsec. A, eff. 10-17-80]

NAC 410.560 Severability. (NRS 410.400) If any provision of NAC 410.500 to 410.630, inclusive, or their application to any person, thing or circumstance is held invalid, it is intended that such invalidity not affect the remaining provisions or applications to the extent that they can be given effect.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual, Supp. § IV, eff. 10-17-80]

NAC 410.570 Purpose. (NRS 408.557, 410.330, 410.400) The purpose of NAC 410.500 to 410.630, inclusive, is to provide for effective control by the Department of official and directional signs adjacent to interstate or primary highways within this state and to establish effective control in conformance with the national standards adopted by the Secretary of Transportation pursuant to 23 U.S.C. § 131.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual, Supp. § I, eff. 10-17-80] — (NAC A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.580 Applicability. (NRS 410.400) NAC 410.500 to 410.630, inclusive, apply to all official and directional signs adjacent to and visible from any interstate or primary highway in Nevada.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual, Supp. § III, eff. 10-17-80]

NAC 410.590 Directional and official signs: Conformity with criteria. (NRS 410.400) Directional and official signs are subject to the criteria set forth in NAC 410.500 to 410.630, inclusive. Signs qualifying under the criteria are allowed to be erected and maintained. Upon application by the owner, permits for such signs will be issued by the Department at no cost to the owner. Signs which were legally erected and maintained but which do not meet the criteria must be modified or relocated or will be purchased by the Department. Signs which do not meet the criteria and which were not legally erected and maintained will be removed at the owner’s expense.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual, Supp. § V subsec. B, eff. 10-17-80]

NAC 410.600 Directional signs: Prohibited signs; limitations upon size, lighting, spacing, content and use. (NRS 408.557, 410.330, 410.400)

1. The following directional signs are prohibited:

(a) Signs located in such a manner as to obscure or otherwise interfere with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, signal or device, or obstruct or interfere with the driver’s view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic.

(b) Signs which are erected or maintained upon trees or painted or drawn upon rocks or other natural features.

(d) Signs which are structurally unsafe or in disrepair.

(e) Signs which move or have any animated or moving parts.

(f) Signs located in rest areas, parklands or scenic areas.

2. No directional sign may exceed the following limits:

(a) Area, 150 square feet.

(b) Height, 20 feet.

Ê All dimensions include border and trim, but exclude supports.

3. Signs may be illuminated, subject to the following:

(a) Any sign which contains, includes or is illuminated by any flashing, intermittent or moving light or lights is prohibited.

(b) Any sign which is not effectively shielded to prevent beams of light from being directed at any portion of the traveled way of an interstate or primary highway, which is of such intensity or brilliance that it causes glare or impairs the vision of the driver of any motor vehicle, or which otherwise interferes with any driver’s operation of a motor vehicle is prohibited.

(c) Any sign which is so illuminated that it interferes with the effectiveness of or obscures an official traffic sign, device or signal is prohibited.

(d) Any sign which resembles or simulates an official traffic control device is prohibited.

4. Spacing criteria are as follows:

(a) The location of each such sign must be approved by the Department.

(b) No sign may be located within 2,000 feet of an interchange or an intersection at grade along the interstate system or other freeways. The distance is measured along the interstate or freeway from the nearest point of the beginning or ending of pavement widening at the exit from or entrance to the main-traveled way.

(d) No two signs facing the same direction of travel may be spaced less than 1 mile apart.

(e) No more than three signs pertaining to the same activity and facing the same direction of travel may be erected along a single route approaching the activity.

(f) Any sign located adjacent to the interstate system must be within 75 air miles of the activity.

(g) Any sign located adjacent to the national highway system, other than the interstate, or the primary system must be within 50 air miles of the activity.

5. The message on a sign must be limited to the attraction or activity and directional information useful to the traveler in locating the attraction, such as mileage, route numbers or exit numbers. Descriptive words or phrases and pictorial or photographic representations of the activity or its environs are prohibited.

6. The use of directional signs for privately owned activities or attractions is limited to providing information on natural phenomena, scenic attractions, historic, educational, cultural, scientific and religious sites, and outdoor recreational areas. To be eligible for use of such signs, the privately owned attractions or activities must be nationally or regionally known and of outstanding interest to the traveling public.

7. As used in this section, “national highway system” has the meaning ascribed to it in 23 U.S.C. § 103(b).

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual, Supp. § V subsec. F, eff. 10-17-80] — (NAC A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.610 Official signs: Size; location; type; number. (NRS 410.400)

1. An official sign must not exceed 750 square feet in size. An official sign of a local government may be erected anywhere adjacent to an interstate and primary highway within its jurisdiction, except in a scenic area or parkland, so long as the sign does not create a safety hazard to the traveling public.

2. An official sign will not be considered when the Department determines the spacing required between conforming outdoor advertising signs located off premises.

3. Public officials may erect, within the limits of their jurisdictions, official signs welcoming travelers and describing the services and attractions available but may not advertise private businesses or brand names. Not more than one official sign welcoming visitors or providing information about a community is allowed on each highway entering the community.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual, Supp. § V subsec. E, eff. 10-17-80]

NAC 410.620 Public service signs. (NRS 410.400)

1. A public service sign:

(a) Must contain public service messages which occupy 50 percent or more of the area of the sign;

(b) May not contain any other message; and

2. Not more than one sign on each shelter may face in any one direction.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual, Supp. § V subsec. C, eff. 10-17-80]

NAC 410.625 Specifications for signs of service clubs and religious organizations. (NRS 410.400)

1. A sign of a service club or religious organization must include a panel provided and attached by the Department. The holder of the permit must obtain a panel from the district traffic engineer, have the panel engraved and return it to the district traffic engineer for attachment to the assembly. The panels must be approximately 12 inches by 40 inches.

2. The lettering must be approximately 3/4-inch tall for the name of the holder of the permit, approximately 1/2-inch tall for the location of its meeting and approximately 1/4-inch tall for the date and time of the meeting.

3. Each district traffic engineer shall make further specifications available. Depending on the size of the community in which the club or church is located, an assembly may consist of 10 panels or 15 panels.

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, eff. 12-11-98)

NAC 410.630 Area of signs of service clubs and religious organizations; historical markers considered official signs. (NRS 410.400)

1. A sign of a service club or religious organization must not exceed 8 square feet in area.

2. Historical markers authorized by state law and erected by agencies of the state or local governments or by nonprofit historical societies may be considered official signs by the Department.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual, Supp. § V subsec. D, eff. 10-17-80]

Location of Signs

NAC 410.650 Definitions. (NRS 408.557, 410.330, 410.400) As used in NAC 410.650 to 410.750, inclusive, unless the context requires otherwise, the words and terms defined in NAC 410.655 to 410.675, inclusive, have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation, eff. 12-16-82; A by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.655 “Conforming area” defined. (NRS 410.400) “Conforming area” means an area:

1. Which the Department finds is within an unacceptable commercial or industrial zone; and

2. In which the Department finds that a commercial or industrial activity exists or is contemplated for the near future.

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation, eff. 12-16-82)

NAC 410.660 “Defined area” defined. (NRS 410.400) “Defined area” means an area which:

1. Has clearly established geographic boundaries; and

2. Can be evaluated as an economic entity.

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation, eff. 12-16-82)

NAC 410.670 “Nonconforming outdoor advertising sign” defined. (NRS 410.400) “Nonconforming outdoor advertising sign” means an outdoor advertising sign which was erected and has been maintained lawfully but does not conform to the provisions set forth in NRS 410.220 to 410.410, inclusive.

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation, eff. 12-16-82)

NAC 410.675 “Unacceptable commercial or industrial zone” defined. (NRS 410.400) “Unacceptable commercial or industrial zone” means an area which is established by a local government as a commercial or industrial zone but which is not accepted by the Department as a commercial or industrial area for the purpose of the exception in subsection 4 of NRS 410.320.

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation, eff. 12-16-82)

NAC 410.680 Severability. (NRS 408.557, 410.330, 410.400) If any provision of NAC 410.650 to 410.750, inclusive, or any application thereof to any person, thing or circumstance is held invalid, such invalidity does not affect the remaining provisions or applications to the extent that they can be given effect.

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation, eff. 12-16-82; A by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.685 Applicability. (NRS 410.400) NAC 410.650 to 410.750, inclusive, applies to all outdoor advertising signs which are subject to the provisions of NRS 410.220 to 410.410, inclusive.

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation, eff. 12-16-82)

NAC 410.690 Sign location: Controlled areas. (NRS 408.557, 410.330, 410.400)

1. In accordance with NRS 410.220 to 410.410, inclusive, no off-premise outdoor advertising structure may be erected within the controlled area of the interstate or primary highway systems within this state without first obtaining a sign permit from the Department. For a controlled area:

(a) Within the limits of urban areas which are designated in the latest national census report or as a populated area of more than 5,000 people with the boundary to be determined by the state and based upon the metropolitan plan area statistics, a sign permit is required for all signs visible from and capable of having their messages read from the main-traveled way of and located within 660 feet of the right-of-way for interstate and primary routes. The 660 feet must be measured perpendicular to the centerline of the main-traveled way and must be concentric with the right-of-way line.

(b) Outside the limits of urban areas, defined in paragraph (a), a sign permit is required for all signs visible from and capable of having their messages read from the main-traveled way of interstate and primary routes. No sign may be erected beyond 660 feet from the right-of-way line of interstate and primary routes which was erected to be viewed from or have its message read from the main-traveled way of interstate and primary routes.

2. A request to determine whether a sign will be visible from a controlled area must be made to the Department before the sign is constructed. The Department will inspect the site and advise the prospective holder of a permit whether the sign will be visible and capable of having its message read from the controlled area. If the holder of the permit constructs the sign after the Department has advised him or her that the sign will be visible from the controlled area, and the sign is later determined to be in violation of any provision of this chapter, the holder of the permit shall remove the sign within 30 days after receiving notice of the violation. The holder of the permit shall pay the cost of the removal.

[Dep’t of Highways, Outdoor Advertising Control Manual p. 6, eff. 1-28-77] — (NAC A by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.695 Exemption of nonconforming signs: Requests for exemption from requirements for acquisition and removal. (NRS 408.557, 410.330, 410.400)

1. A governmental agency may submit to the Director a request for an exemption of nonconforming outdoor advertising signs within a defined area from the requirements for acquisition and removal by the Department.

2. The area in which the signs are located must be under the jurisdiction of the governmental agency which submits the request.

3. The request must be in the form of a declaration, resolution, certified copy of an ordinance or other direction from the governing body of the county, city or other governmental agency.

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation, eff. 12-16-82; A by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.700 Exemption of nonconforming signs: Requirements for exemption. (NRS 410.400)

1. To be approved for exemption from acquisition and removal, a nonconforming outdoor advertising sign must have continuously displayed since May 5, 1976, or the date on which it became nonconforming, whichever is later:

(a) Information in the interest of the traveling public concerning goods or services;

(b) The name of an establishment which has provided those goods or services continuously since May 5, 1976, or the date when the sign became nonconforming, whichever is later; and

(c) Specific directional information which has enabled the traveling public to locate the establishment offering those goods or services.

2. If at any time since May 5, 1976, or the date when the sign became nonconforming, whichever is later, an exempted nonconforming outdoor advertising sign is modified or repainted so that it no longer contains the information required in subsection 1, the exemption for the sign will be rescinded and will not be reinstated.

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation, eff. 12-16-82)

NAC 410.703 Exemption of nonconforming signs: Preexisting signs. (NRS 408.557, 410.330, 410.400) Signs which were lawfully erected in zoned and unzoned commercial or industrial areas before the effective date of the control of a route, or segment thereof, by the Department, including, without limitation, new interchanges, extensions of routes and redesignations of routes, shall be deemed to be conforming and will not be required to be removed if they are in conformity with the local ordinances and laws of this state relating to the erection and maintenance of such signs.

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, eff. 12-11-98)

NAC 410.705 Exemption of nonconforming signs: Economic analysis. (NRS 410.400)

1. An economic analysis must be submitted to support a request for an exemption. The analysis must include:

(a) A complete description of the method of analysis;

(b) A description of the defined area covered in the analysis;

(c) A list of the nonconforming outdoor advertising signs for which exemption is sought, and a photograph of each sign, with a note on the photograph showing the date it was taken;

(d) The name of the enterprise advertised on each nonconforming outdoor advertising sign to be exempted; and

(e) A clear demonstration that removal of the nonconforming outdoor advertising signs would cause a substantial adverse economic effect throughout the defined area.

2. The economic analysis must be based upon a study of the entire area and not merely upon individual claims of hardship by owners of businesses within the defined area.

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation, eff. 12-16-82)

NAC 410.710 Exemption of nonconforming signs: Requests for renewal. (NRS 410.400) Every 3 years after an exemption within a defined area is granted, the governmental agency which initially requested the exemption must:

1. Perform an economic analysis justifying renewal of the exemption; and

2. Submit to the Department the results of the analysis and a request for renewal of the exemption.

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation, eff. 12-16-82)

NAC 410.715 Exemption of nonconforming signs: Review of requests. (NRS 410.400) The Department will examine each request for an exemption or renewal of an exemption and if the request meets the requirements of NAC 410.695 to 410.710, inclusive, will forward it with a recommendation for approval to the Federal Highway Administration.

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation, eff. 12-16-82)

NAC 410.720 Exemption of nonconforming signs: Preparation of request. (NRS 410.400) The Department will not participate in any cost or activity related to preparation of:

1. A request for an exemption;

2. An economic analysis; or

3. A request for renewal.

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation, eff. 12-16-82)

NAC 410.725 Unacceptable commercial or industrial zones: Determination of zones. (NRS 408.557, 410.330, 410.400)

1. The Department will review any area zoned for commercial or industrial activity to determine if the zone appears to have been deliberately or inadvertently established to circumvent 23 U.S.C. § 131.

2. The Department will consider a commercial or industrial zone as unacceptable for the purpose of the exception in subsection 4 of NRS 410.320 if:

(a) A significant number of noncommercial or nonindustrial uses are allowed in the zone or by the zoning ordinance to the extent that the commercial or industrial character of the zone is or would be obscured;

(b) The zone consists of a large area which is remote and unpopulated and has little or no commercial or industrial activity;

(c) The zone consists of a long narrow strip or strips along significant portions of highway frontage within which the existing developments do not support the commercial or industrial classification; or

(d) The zone is not part of a comprehensive plan of zoning but appears to have been the result of spot zoning whose primary purpose was to allow the erection or continued existence of an outdoor advertising sign.

3. The Department will include in its review:

(a) The zoning ordinance enacted by the appropriate local authority;

(b) The minutes of the planning commission’s and county commission’s meetings at which the requests for the zoning or rezoning were discussed, in order to ascertain the purpose of the zoning or rezoning; and

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation, eff. 12-16-82; A by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.727 Unacceptable commercial or industrial zones: Determination of conforming and nonconforming areas; submission of documents. (NRS 408.557, 410.330, 410.400)

1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, the following areas shall not be deemed to be conforming areas within unacceptable commercial or industrial zones, whether the zones are civic zones or public-facility zones or whether incidental commercial or industrial activities are allowed therein, pursuant to NAC 410.730:

(a) Areas established primarily for the accommodation of governmental facilities, including, without limitation, offices and schools.

(b) Areas established primarily as recreational facilities, including, without limitation:

(1) Golf courses and parks;

(2) Baseball, softball and soccer fields or arenas; and

(3) Open spaces operated or managed on a profit, not-for-profit or nonprofit basis.

2. The following areas shall be deemed conforming areas within unacceptable commercial or industrial zones pursuant to NAC 410.730:

(a) Land in a civic zone or public-facility zone if:

(1) A special or conditional use permit has been granted to allow activities categorized as “for commerce, industry or trade” on the land; and

(2) The land has been developed for such use, including, without limitation, an airport or another intense commercial or industrial development or a use which is not incidental to the primary use of the land.

(b) An area along a highway extending 600 feet from and beyond the edge of land that:

(1) Meets the requirements set forth in paragraph (a); and

(2) Is not zoned other than for commercial or industrial use.

(1) Meets the requirements set forth in paragraph (b); and

(2) Is not considered scenic or as having aesthetic value.

3. All measurements required pursuant to this section must be:

(a) Made from the outer edges of the regularly used buildings, parking lots, storage or processing areas, or landscaped areas of the commercial or industrial activities; and

(b) Measured alongside or parallel to the edge of the pavement of the highway.

4. A scaled drawing that shows the relationship of a proposed sign to the commercial or industrial activity, a description of the commercial or industrial activity and a copy of the special or conditional use permit must be submitted to the Department for each new sign to be constructed in the conforming area.

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, eff. 12-11-98)

NAC 410.730 Unacceptable commercial or industrial zones: Conforming areas within unacceptable zones. (NRS 410.400)

1. The Department will allow existing outdoor advertising signs to remain and new outdoor advertising signs to be erected in a conforming area within an unacceptable commercial or industrial zone.

2. Except as provided in subsection 3, the Department will determine the extent of a conforming area by applying the Department’s criteria for unzoned commercial or industrial areas as set forth in NAC 410.320 to those areas within the unacceptable commercial or industrial zones having existing or contemplated commercial or industrial activities.

3. A conforming area will not be extended beyond the commercial or industrial zone.

4. The Department will not consider a commercial or industrial activity established within or as an adjunct to a residence to be a commercial or industrial activity for purposes of defining a conforming area if the Department determines that the activity is insubstantial.

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation, eff. 12-16-82)

NAC 410.735 Unacceptable commercial or industrial zones: Proof of contemplated commercial or industrial use; special conditions; changes to be reviewed. (NRS 408.557, 410.330, 410.400)

1. To prove that a commercial or industrial use is contemplated for the near future and that it would provide a basis for establishing a conforming area within which an existing or proposed outdoor advertising sign could remain or be erected, the owner of the sign must submit the following information to the Department:

(a) A description of the nature of the proposed commercial or industrial use.

(b) A copy of the building permit approved and issued by the appropriate local authority for improvements to be constructed to accommodate the proposed use. If a building permit is not required, the commercial or industrial use must be established within 1 year after the owner of the sign notifies the Department of the proposed construction.

(1) The highway with the right-of-way and paved traveled portion accurately depicted;

(2) The contemplated commercial or industrial improvements or the area to be devoted to commercial or industrial activity;

(3) The proposed conforming area, as defined pursuant to NAC 410.730, encompassing the contemplated commercial or industrial activity; and

(4) Existing or proposed outdoor advertising signs in the conforming area with distances, to be measured along the edge of the highway pavement, between those signs and the nearest commercial or industrial improvement.

2. The Department may require special conditions, including, without limitation, a performance bond or a surety bond, to ensure compliance for sign permits issued in these areas.

3. Any change in the proposed commercial or industrial activity must be reviewed by the Department. The holder of the permit shall provide the Department, without notice by the Department, with sufficient documentation to review the proposed change. Failure to provide such documentation may result in the revocation of the permit, and a new application for a permit may be required. If a new application is required, all provisions of this chapter related thereto are applicable. The new application will be considered a new request and a new permit will be granted as available.

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation, eff. 12-16-82; A by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.740 Unacceptable commercial or industrial use: Conditional conformance; temporary conformance. (NRS 408.557, 410.330, 410.400)

1. An outdoor advertising sign in a proposed conforming area which will encompass contemplated commercial or industrial activity shall be deemed to be conforming pending the commencement of that activity.

2. If that activity is not commenced within:

(a) The period specified for completion in the initial building permit issued by the local authority; or

(b) One year after the owner of the sign notifies the Department, if no building permit is required,

Ê the Department will consider that no conforming area has been established and will proceed as provided in NAC 410.745.

3. If that activity is developed in a different area than the one shown on the plot submitted to the Department, the owner of any sign which may be affected must prove to the Department that his or her sign is in the conforming area defined by applying the provisions of NAC 410.730 to that activity.

4. Any qualifying commercial or industrial activity that is temporary will define a conforming area for off-premise signs only for the actual duration of the qualifying activity. If the qualifying activity ceases for a period of 60 consecutive days or more, signs allowed within the conditional conforming area shall be deemed nonconforming, the permit will be cancelled and the sign must be removed by the owner within 30 days after the notice or declaration with no compensation from the Department unless another qualifying activity is established or can be demonstrated by the holder of the permit. As used in this subsection, “temporary” means the activity will exist for 3 years or less.

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation, eff. 12-16-82; A by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.745 Unacceptable commercial or industrial zones: Failure to complete development; development in different area; resolution of intent to rezone. (NRS 408.557, 410.330, 410.400)

1. If no significant progress is made in developing the contemplated commercial or industrial activity within the period specified in the building permit issued by the appropriate local authority or within 1 year after the date on which the owner of the sign formally notifies the Department of the contemplated activity in a case where no building permit is required, the Department will declare that a conforming area has not been established and will acquire and remove preexisting, legally erected outdoor advertising signs. Any outdoor advertising signs which have been erected in anticipation of the establishment of a contemplated commercial or industrial activity shall be deemed illegal outdoor advertising signs and must be removed by the owner with no compensation from the Department.

2. If the contemplated commercial or industrial activity is developed within the appropriate period, as prescribed in subsection 1, the Department will define the conforming area to correspond with the commercial or industrial activity actually developed. The Department will immediately acquire and remove any outdoor advertising signs which existed before the commercial or industrial activity was contemplated and which are outside the conforming area. Any outdoor advertising sign which has been erected in anticipation of the establishment of a contemplated commercial or industrial activity and which is outside the limits of the conforming area established is an illegal outdoor advertising sign and must be removed by the owner of the sign, with no compensation from the Department.

3. A resolution of intent to rezone an area for commercial or industrial activity will be accepted for the purposes of this chapter if the term of the resolution and extensions do not exceed 3 years and the conditions and periods of time established pursuant to the resolution of intent are met by the landowner. Any sign permit issued for a sign on the property which is subject to a resolution of intent will be issued conditionally upon the property actually being rezoned for commercial or industrial activity before the expiration of the resolution of intent, which must not exceed 3 years. If the resolution of intent expires without the property being rezoned or the term, including any extensions, exceeds 3 years, any sign permit issued for a sign on the property will be revoked and the sign must be removed by the owner within 60 days after the expiration of the resolution of intent and any extensions thereof or the expiration of 3 years, whichever is sooner, with no compensation from the Department.

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation, eff. 12-16-82; A by R058-97, 12-11-98)

NAC 410.750 Unacceptable commercial or industrial zones: Activity contemplated to circumvent purpose of program. (NRS 410.400) If any contemplated commercial or industrial activity appears to be designed primarily to protect outdoor advertising signs or encourage their use and thus, to circumvent the purpose of the Department’s program for beautification of highways, the Department will not define the area surrounding the activity as a conforming area.

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation, eff. 12-16-82)

VIOLATIONS

NAC 410.775 Violation of chapter. (NRS 408.557, 410.330, 410.400)

1. The Department will issue a notice of violation to the owner of a sign that is erected without a permit in violation of the provisions of this chapter. The notice will be delivered by certified mail or by posting the notice on the sign.

2. The owner of the sign, landowner or other person responsible for erecting the sign shall, within 30 days after receiving the notice issued pursuant to subsection 1:

(a) Obtain a permit for the sign, if the sign qualifies for a permit; or

(b) Remove the sign.

3. If a permit is not obtained or the sign is not removed within the time required by subsection 2, the Department will remove the sign. The owner of the sign, landowner or other person responsible for erecting the sign shall pay the cost of removal to the Department. The Department will store the sign for the 30 days immediately following removal, during which time the sign may be claimed upon payment of the cost of removal and any costs associated with the removal and storage of the sign and the collection of the cost of removal. A sign that is not claimed within 30 days after removal shall be deemed the property of the Department and may be disposed of by the Department. Any money received from the disposal will be credited first towards the costs of removal and storage of the sign. Money in excess of such costs will be deposited with the State Treasurer for credit to the State Highway Fund to offset the cost of issuing permits for signs. If the income generated from the disposal of the sign does not meet or exceed the costs of removal and storage of the sign and the cost of collecting the cost of removal, the owner of the sign, landowner or other person responsible for erecting the sign shall pay the remaining costs.

4. Any dispute arising out of the ownership of the sign must be resolved by an appeal to the Director who will cause the ownership of the sign to be investigated. The costs required to be paid by subsection 3 will be abated until ownership is determined. Ownership of the sign must be proven to the satisfaction of the Director. If the Director determines that the person who has been charged for the costs of removal and storage does not own the sign, the person is not liable for the costs required to be paid pursuant to subsection 3.

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, eff. 12-11-98)

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

NAC 410.800 Effective dates of control by Department of alterations to and new routes added to interstate and primary routes. (NRS 408.557, 410.330, 410.400) For the purposes of this chapter, the effective dates of control by the Department of alterations to and new routes added to the interstate and primary routes are:

1. Upon the signing or acceptance of the design recommendation by the Director, for new highways being constructed by the Department or roadways being constructed with the intent of becoming part of the state-maintained roadway system, including, without limitation, the interstate or primary routes.

2. At such time as the Department and the local governing body agree to transfer control of the road or street to the Department, for existing roads and streets added to the interstate and primary routes.

3. Upon the signing or acceptance of the design recommendation by the Director, for the interstate and primary routes being altered, including, without limitation, by adding interchanges or extending routes.

(Added to NAC by Dep’t of Transportation by R058-97, eff. 12-11-98)