290 R.I. Code R. 290-RICR-30-00-1.14

Current through December 3, 2024

Section 290-RICR-30-00-1.14 - Permit Process

A. All signs lawfully erected [which include both conforming and non-conforming signs] require a permit and a panel identification number. Permits are issued to site-specific locations. Permits are issued under this application process will expire on December 31st in the year in which they were issued, unless sooner revoked for cause [outlined in these Rules and Regulations] by the Department. No permits shall be transferred or assigned to another entity without the approval of the Department.

B. Requirements for a Permit Application

1. A separate application for a permit shall be made for each separate sign, as so defined in these Rules and Regulations on a form furnished by the Department; which application shall be signed by the applicant or the applicant's representative duly authorized in writing, to act for the applicant.

2. The following items shall be required for the permit application process:

a. written proof of legal control through the calendar year, and/or ownership of the real property [footprint of the sign] upon which the sign is located [i.e. lease, rental agreement, deed, etc.];

b. written proof of legal control through the calendar year and/or ownership of the sign [i.e. lease, rental agreement, bill of sale];

c. written proof of insurance with language indemnifying and naming the State of Rhode Island as co-insured where applicable [if the sign is located on State-owned property];

d. name and address of the present legal owner of the real property on which the sign is located;

e. Assessor's Plat and Lot Number of the real property upon which the sign is located;

f. name and address of the present sign owner.

3. The Permit Rate Structure shall be as follows:

Structure	Rate
72 square foot stagnant signs	$200 per panel
300 and 672 square foot stagnant signs	$450 per panel
Changeable Message Sign /Mechanical [any size]	$1,300 per panel
Changeable Message Sign /Electronic [any size] [Also Includes Any Other New Technology]	$2,000 per panel

a. Fees are charged on a per panel basis, and shall be paid in the form of a non-refundable check made payable to the "General Treasurer, State of Rhode Island." Applications for a new sign location shall have a non-refundable fee of $100. If the application is approved for a new location, the fee schedule above shall determine the cost of the permit.

4. The Department may respond to a completed application within a reasonable time, not to exceed sixty (60) calendar days. However, if it is found that the information in the application is incomplete or incorrect, the Department reserves the right to suspend the sixty (60) calendar day response time until all required information is submitted, reviewed, and found to be complete. Only at that time will the Department be held to the sixty (60) calendar day response time.

B. Revocation of Permit

1. The Department of Transportation shall have the right after thirty (30) calendar days notice, in writing, to the permit holder, to revoke any permit granted if the sign fails to comply with these Rules and Regulations, Federal or State Laws that pertain to the governing of signs. If within the thirty (30) calendar day period the permit holder amends the sign to conform to these Rules and Regulations, Federal or State Laws that pertain to the governing of signs, the revocation will be suspended. The Department will revoke immediately any permit whose sign message content resembles a traffic, directional or official guide sign or illegal content.

C. Identification of Sign

1. Every sign erected under these Rules and Regulations shall be erected in the exact location described on the permit and shall have a clearly visible permit number; said number to be not less than two (2) inches in height for signs closer than one hundred and fifty (150) feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way, and four (4) inches in height for signs located beyond one hundred and fifty (150) feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way and are to be placed on the furthest left support post, two and one-half (2.5) feet from the bottom of the sign; provided; however, that wherever signs are erected on a single post, the number shall be placed on the face of the post under the sign. All signs having been issued a permit shall bear the clearly visible imprint of the permit number.

2. The Department will assign panel numbers for each sign panel. Each panel number shall be clearly visible, and shall not be less than two (2) inches in height for signs closer than one hundred and fifty (150) feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way, and four (4) inches in height for signs located beyond one hundred and fifty (150) feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way and are to be placed on the furthest left support post, two and one-half (2.5) feet from the bottom of the sign; provided; however, that wherever signs are erected on a single post, the number shall be placed on the face of the post under the sign.

E. Appeal

1. Any applicant aggrieved by a final written decision of a subordinate official of the Department of Transportation, may within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of said written decision, appeal, in writing, to the Director.

2. Any applicant aggrieved by a final written decision of the Director, may within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of said written decision, appeal to the Superior Court in Providence County by filing a complaint pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-35-15.

290 R.I. Code R. 290-RICR-30-00-1.14

Amended effective 11/28/2018