Article 3. Eligibility of California Streets And Highways Code >> Division 1. >> Chapter 1.5. >> Article 3.

The department shall determine that the facilities and attractions for which generic tourist oriented directional signs are provided meet the minimum criteria set forth in this article.

(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), the distance from the nearest highway intersection to the nearest facility or attraction shall not exceed 10 miles.
  (b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the maximum distance from the signed intersection to the nearest facility or attraction shall not exceed the following:
  (1) One mile for a service station.
  (2) Three miles for food or lodging facilities.

Facilities for which signing is provided shall be located on a reasonably direct and maintained route and have sufficient signing to guide the motorist to the facility and back to the highway, as determined by the department.

All sign contracts are for a two-year period and are subject to reevaluation by the department at the end of that period.

The number of generic tourist oriented directional signs shall not exceed three signs on an approach to an intersection from either direction. If more signs are requested than authorized by this section, the department shall select the three facilities or attractions receiving the highest rankings based on existing criteria and point ranking systems developed for other business signing programs. Based on the rankings, an existing sign posted pursuant to this chapter may be displaced by a new sign at the end of a two-year contract.

(a) The department shall also take into consideration whether a business, attraction, or facility has existing on-premise or off-premise advertising structures located on a nearby state highway when determining its eligibility for a generic tourist oriented directional sign.
  (b) The decision to place generic tourist oriented directional signs is at the sole discretion of the department.

(a) In any county having an active farm trails program that is recognized by the board of supervisors of that county, the individualized farm trail symbol may serve as the symbol on generic tourist oriented directional signs, if the farm trail signs comply with the requirements of this chapter.
  (b) As used in this section, an active farm trails program means an organization of farmers and other rural enterprises that are in direct contact with the traveling public.

Tourist oriented directional signs erected pursuant to this chapter shall not identify particular businesses or services by name, but rather shall be generic and identify only the type or nature of the business or service available.

Signs identifying the location or proximity of gambling activities are not eligible for placement under this chapter.

In order to be eligible for a generic tourist oriented directional sign, an individual business or, if more than one business is to be included, then a majority of the businesses and attractions within 10 driving miles of the sign, shall conform to all of the following:
  (a) Open to the public at least 40 hours per week and six days per week, for a minimum of three continuous months per year, and maintain regular hours and schedules.
  (b) Seasonal businesses and attractions closed more than one week at a time shall have the sign covered or removed by the department during the period of closure.
  (c) Possess any appropriate business license approved by the state and local agency regulating the particular business.
  (d) Each business or attraction identified on a tourist oriented directional sign shall provide assurance of its conformity with all applicable laws concerning the public accommodation without regard to race, color, sex, culture, social origin or condition, or political or religious ideas.

If a business or attraction violates any provision of this chapter or regulations adopted by the department, it may lose its eligibility for a tourist oriented directional sign. The department may request the immediate removal of a generic tourist oriented directional sign if a business or attraction violates any section of this law or regulations.

No business or attraction shall be eligible for a generic tourist oriented directional sign if it is adjacent to, and visible from, the highway.