SECTION 730:35-5-5. Registration of outdoor signs, displays and devices

(a)   All signs, except for signs considered exempt, (see 730:35-5-15) that are adjacent to or located within six hundred sixty (660) feet of the right-of-way, and visible from the main traveled way of any Interstate or Federal-aid Primary highway in the state, are required to be registered and permitted by the Department.

(b)   Application forms to register and permit sign locations are provided by the Department, prior to the construction or relocation of any sign. The application form is to be filled out in its entirety, notarized and submitted to the Department, along with the application fee ($100.00), two (2) photos of the proposed site location and a copy of the current lease agreement with landowner of the site location. Upon receipt of all required data, the Department will then process the application as expeditiously as possible. The applicant shall be notified of the Department's decision on the application and the reasons therefore, if denied, within sixty (60) days of receipt of the completed application. Upon approval, the sign location is assigned a registration number and is issued a registration certification (title), permit and tag.

(c)   For each properly registered outdoor advertising sign, display, or device, the Department shall issue a registration certificate which contains a unique registration number, the name and address of the owner and such additional information as the Department considers necessary to properly identify the particular outdoor advertising sign, display, or device.

(d)   The registration tag is to be affixed to the applicable outdoor advertising sign, display or device so as to be conspicuous and visible from the main traveled way within a period not to exceed sixty (60) days of its issuance. On or after July 1, 1973, any outdoor advertising sign, display or device located within the controlled areas, and which does not display its applicable registration tag may be considered by the Department to be unregistered, thus illegal, and subject to removal by the Department in accordance with provisions of law; provided further, that the Department may institute and pursue to a conclusion such other proceedings, criminal and civil in enforcement of the provisions of the Act and this rule as are provided by the law and this rule, which may include revocation of the company's license to do business.

(e)   The registration of an outdoor advertising sign, display, or device shall be permanent for the registered sign as long as the sign remains in conformance with requirements of law and these rules; provided, however, that lost, stolen or destroyed registration tags or certificates may be replaced by the Department, such replacement tags or certificates to bear the same registration numbers as the originals. The replacement cost will be a fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for the registration tag, and a fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for the registration certificate.

(f)   Upon change of ownership of any registered outdoor advertising sign, display, or device, the new owner shall, within ninety (90) days, notify the Department by presenting to the Department the current applicable registration certificate executed as provided for thereon, and request a transfer of registration. Provide a copy of a current lease, assignment of an assignable lease, or proof of current payment between the land owner(s) and the new owner of the sign. A new registration certificate issued by the Department shall provide for an assignment of registration, such assignment to be executed by the assignor and acknowledged by a Notary Public. A fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) will be charged by the Department for a transfer of registration. Failure to request transfer within ninety (90) days shall be grounds for the Department to determine that the sign is illegal and subject to removal.

[Source: Amended at 10 Ok Reg 4695, eff 10-11-93; Amended at 17 Ok Reg 1384, eff 5-11-00]