{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/33.2-1217.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/33.2-1217.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/33.2-1217.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/33.2-1217.html"}],"law_id":61349,"edition_id":1,"section_id":61349,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1217","catch_line":"Special provisions pertaining to Interstate System, National Highway System, and federal-aid primary highways","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 33-317.1; 1960, c. 406; 1962, c. 176; 1966, c. 663; 1970, c. 322, \u00a7 33.1-370; 1976, cc. 14, 29; 1980, c. 275; 1993, c. 538; 2000, cc. 432, 449; 2013, cc. 585, 646; 2014, c. 805; 2018, cc. 352, 353.","full_text":"A\n\nNotwithstanding the territorial limitation set out in § 33.2-1202, no sign or advertisement adjacent to any Interstate System, National Highway System, or federal-aid primary highway shall be erected, maintained, or displayed that is visible from the main traveled way within 660 feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way, except as provided in subsections B and D, and outside of an urban area, no sign or advertisement beyond 660 feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way of any Interstate System, National Highway System, or federal-aid primary highway that is visible from the main traveled way shall be erected, maintained, or displayed with the purpose of its message being read from the main traveled way, except as set forth in subsection C.B\n\nThe following signs, advertisements, or advertising structures may be erected, maintained, and displayed within 660 feet of the right-of-way of any Interstate System, National Highway System, or federal-aid primary highway:\n\t\t\tClass 1: Official signs. Directional and official signs and notices, including signs and notices pertaining to the availability of food, lodging, vehicle service and tourist information, natural wonders, scenic areas, museums, and historic attractions, as authorized or required by law; however, where such signs or notices pertain to facilities or attractions that are barrier free, such signs or notices shall contain the International Symbol of Access. The Board shall determine the type, lighting, size, location, number, and other requirements of signs of this class.\n\t\t\tClass 2: On-premises signs. Signs not prohibited by other parts of this article that are consistent with the applicable provisions of this section and that advertise the sale or lease of, or activities being conducted upon, the real property where the signs are located, provided that any such signs that are located adjacent to and within 660 feet of any Interstate System highway and do not lie in commercial or industrial zones within the boundaries of incorporated municipalities, as such boundaries existed on September 21, 1959, wherein the use of real property adjacent to the Interstate System is subject to municipal regulation or control, or in areas where land use as of September 21, 1959, was clearly established by state law as industrial or commercial, shall comply with the following requirements:1\n\nNot more than one sign advertising the sale or lease of the same property may be erected or maintained in such manner as to be visible to traffic proceeding in any one direction on any one Interstate System highway;2\n\nNot more than one sign visible to traffic proceeding in any one direction on any one Interstate System highway and advertising activities being conducted upon the real property where the sign is located may be erected or maintained more than 50 feet from the advertised activity; and3\n\nNo sign, except one that is not more than 50 feet from the advertised activity, that displays any trade name that refers to or identifies any service rendered or product sold may be erected or maintained unless the name of the advertised activity is displayed as conspicuously as such trade name.\n\t\t\t\tClass 3: Other signs. Any signs or advertisements that are located within areas adjacent to any Interstate System, National Highway System, or federal-aid primary highway that are zoned industrial or commercial under authority of state law or in unzoned commercial or industrial areas as determined by the Board from actual land uses. The Board shall determine the size, lighting, and spacing of signs of this class, provided that such determination shall be no more restrictive than valid federal requirements on the same subject.C\n\nThe following signs, advertisements, or advertising structures may be erected, maintained, and displayed beyond 660 feet of the right-of-way of any Interstate System, National Highway System, or federal-aid primary highway outside urban areas:1\n\nClass 1 and Class 2 signs, advertisements, or advertising structures set forth in subsection B.2\n\nAll other signs, advertisements, or advertising structures erected, maintained, or displayed more than 660 feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of an Interstate System, National Highway System, or federal-aid primary highway, unless such sign or advertisement is visible from the main traveled way of such highways and erected, maintained, or displayed with the purpose of its message being read from the main traveled way of such highways.\n\t\t\t\tIn determining whether a sign, advertisement, or advertising structure is “erected, maintained, or displayed with the purpose of its message being read,” the Commissioner of Highways shall consider, at a minimum, the nature of the business or product advertised thereon, the availability of such business or product to users of the controlled highway, and the visibility of the sign, advertisement, or advertising structure from the main traveled way of the controlled highway. Such visibility may be measured by considering the size or height of the sign, advertisement, or advertising structure; the configuration, size, and height of recognizable emblems, images, and lettering thereon; the angle of the sign, advertisement, or advertising structure to the main traveled way of the controlled highway; the degree to which physical obstructions hinder the view of the sign, advertisement, or advertising structure from the main traveled way of the controlled highway; and the time during which such sign, advertisement, or advertising structure is exposed to view by travelers on the main traveled way of the controlled highway traveling at the maximum and minimum speeds posted.D\n\nIn order to provide information in the specific interest of the traveling public, the Department is authorized to maintain maps, permit informational directories and advertising pamphlets to be made available at rest areas, and establish information centers at rest areas for the purpose of informing the public of places of interest within the Commonwealth and providing such other information as may be considered desirable.E\n\nNotwithstanding any other provision of law, lawfully erected and maintained nonconforming signs, advertisements, and advertising structures shall not be removed or eliminated by amortization under state law or local ordinances without compensation as described in subsection F.F\n\nThe Commissioner of Highways is authorized to acquire by purchase, gift, or the power of eminent domain and to pay just compensation upon the removal of nonconforming signs, advertisements, or advertising structures lawfully erected and maintained under state law or state regulations, provided that subsequent to November 6, 1978, whenever any local ordinance that is more restrictive than state law requires the removal of such signs, advertisements, or advertising structures, the local governing body shall initiate the removal of such signs, advertisements, or advertising structures with the Commissioner of Highways, who shall have complete authority to administer the removal of such signs, advertisements, or advertising structures. Upon proof of payment presented to the local governing bodies, the local governing bodies shall reimburse the Commissioner of Highways the funds expended that are associated with the removal of such signs, advertisements, or advertising structures required by local ordinances, less any federal funds received for such purposes. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, nothing shall prohibit the local governing bodies from removing signs, advertisements, or advertising structures that are made nonconforming solely by local ordinances so long as those ordinances require the local governing bodies to pay 100 percent of the cost of removing them and just compensation upon their removal.\n\t\t\tSuch compensation is authorized to be paid only for the taking from the owner of such sign or advertisement of all right, title, leasehold, and interest in such sign or advertisement and the taking from the owner of the real property on which the sign or advertisement is located of the right to erect and maintain such sign or advertisement thereon.\n\t\t\tThe Commissioner of Highways shall not be required to expend any funds under this section unless and until federal-aid matching funds are made available for this purpose.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":224119,"text":"Notwithstanding the territorial limitation set out in § 33.2-1202, no sign or advertisement adjacent to any Interstate System, National Highway System, or federal-aid primary highway shall be erected, maintained, or displayed that is visible from the main traveled way within 660 feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way, except as provided in subsections B and D, and outside of an urban area, no sign or advertisement beyond 660 feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way of any Interstate System, National Highway System, or federal-aid primary highway that is visible from the main traveled way shall be erected, maintained, or displayed with the purpose of its message being read from the main traveled way, except as set forth in subsection C.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":224120,"text":"The following signs, advertisements, or advertising structures may be erected, maintained, and displayed within 660 feet of the right-of-way of any Interstate System, National Highway System, or federal-aid primary highway:\n\t\t\tClass 1: Official signs. Directional and official signs and notices, including signs and notices pertaining to the availability of food, lodging, vehicle service and tourist information, natural wonders, scenic areas, museums, and historic attractions, as authorized or required by law; however, where such signs or notices pertain to facilities or attractions that are barrier free, such signs or notices shall contain the International Symbol of Access. The Board shall determine the type, lighting, size, location, number, and other requirements of signs of this class.\n\t\t\tClass 2: On-premises signs. Signs not prohibited by other parts of this article that are consistent with the applicable provisions of this section and that advertise the sale or lease of, or activities being conducted upon, the real property where the signs are located, provided that any such signs that are located adjacent to and within 660 feet of any Interstate System highway and do not lie in commercial or industrial zones within the boundaries of incorporated municipalities, as such boundaries existed on September 21, 1959, wherein the use of real property adjacent to the Interstate System is subject to municipal regulation or control, or in areas where land use as of September 21, 1959, was clearly established by state law as industrial or commercial, shall comply with the following requirements:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"2":{"id":224121,"text":"Not more than one sign advertising the sale or lease of the same property may be erected or maintained in such manner as to be visible to traffic proceeding in any one direction on any one Interstate System highway;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"3":{"id":224122,"text":"Not more than one sign visible to traffic proceeding in any one direction on any one Interstate System highway and advertising activities being conducted upon the real property where the sign is located may be erected or maintained more than 50 feet from the advertised activity; and","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"4":{"id":224123,"text":"No sign, except one that is not more than 50 feet from the advertised activity, that displays any trade name that refers to or identifies any service rendered or product sold may be erected or maintained unless the name of the advertised activity is displayed as conspicuously as such trade name.\n\t\t\t\tClass 3: Other signs. Any signs or advertisements that are located within areas adjacent to any Interstate System, National Highway System, or federal-aid primary highway that are zoned industrial or commercial under authority of state law or in unzoned commercial or industrial areas as determined by the Board from actual land uses. The Board shall determine the size, lighting, and spacing of signs of this class, provided that such determination shall be no more restrictive than valid federal requirements on the same subject.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"C"},"5":{"id":224124,"text":"The following signs, advertisements, or advertising structures may be erected, maintained, and displayed beyond 660 feet of the right-of-way of any Interstate System, National Highway System, or federal-aid primary highway outside urban areas:","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"C1"},"6":{"id":224125,"text":"Class 1 and Class 2 signs, advertisements, or advertising structures set forth in subsection B.","type":"section","prefixes":["C","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"C1","prefix_anchor":"C1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"C2"},"7":{"id":224126,"text":"All other signs, advertisements, or advertising structures erected, maintained, or displayed more than 660 feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of an Interstate System, National Highway System, or federal-aid primary highway, unless such sign or advertisement is visible from the main traveled way of such highways and erected, maintained, or displayed with the purpose of its message being read from the main traveled way of such highways.\n\t\t\t\tIn determining whether a sign, advertisement, or advertising structure is “erected, maintained, or displayed with the purpose of its message being read,” the Commissioner of Highways shall consider, at a minimum, the nature of the business or product advertised thereon, the availability of such business or product to users of the controlled highway, and the visibility of the sign, advertisement, or advertising structure from the main traveled way of the controlled highway. Such visibility may be measured by considering the size or height of the sign, advertisement, or advertising structure; the configuration, size, and height of recognizable emblems, images, and lettering thereon; the angle of the sign, advertisement, or advertising structure to the main traveled way of the controlled highway; the degree to which physical obstructions hinder the view of the sign, advertisement, or advertising structure from the main traveled way of the controlled highway; and the time during which such sign, advertisement, or advertising structure is exposed to view by travelers on the main traveled way of the controlled highway traveling at the maximum and minimum speeds posted.","type":"section","prefixes":["C","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"C2","prefix_anchor":"C2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C1","next_prefix":"D"},"8":{"id":224127,"text":"In order to provide information in the specific interest of the traveling public, the Department is authorized to maintain maps, permit informational directories and advertising pamphlets to be made available at rest areas, and establish information centers at rest areas for the purpose of informing the public of places of interest within the Commonwealth and providing such other information as may be considered desirable.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C2","next_prefix":"E"},"9":{"id":224128,"text":"Notwithstanding any other provision of law, lawfully erected and maintained nonconforming signs, advertisements, and advertising structures shall not be removed or eliminated by amortization under state law or local ordinances without compensation as described in subsection F.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"10":{"id":224129,"text":"The Commissioner of Highways is authorized to acquire by purchase, gift, or the power of eminent domain and to pay just compensation upon the removal of nonconforming signs, advertisements, or advertising structures lawfully erected and maintained under state law or state regulations, provided that subsequent to November 6, 1978, whenever any local ordinance that is more restrictive than state law requires the removal of such signs, advertisements, or advertising structures, the local governing body shall initiate the removal of such signs, advertisements, or advertising structures with the Commissioner of Highways, who shall have complete authority to administer the removal of such signs, advertisements, or advertising structures. Upon proof of payment presented to the local governing bodies, the local governing bodies shall reimburse the Commissioner of Highways the funds expended that are associated with the removal of such signs, advertisements, or advertising structures required by local ordinances, less any federal funds received for such purposes. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, nothing shall prohibit the local governing bodies from removing signs, advertisements, or advertising structures that are made nonconforming solely by local ordinances so long as those ordinances require the local governing bodies to pay 100 percent of the cost of removing them and just compensation upon their removal.\n\t\t\tSuch compensation is authorized to be paid only for the taking from the owner of such sign or advertisement of all right, title, leasehold, and interest in such sign or advertisement and the taking from the owner of the real property on which the sign or advertisement is located of the right to erect and maintain such sign or advertisement thereon.\n\t\t\tThe Commissioner of Highways shall not be required to expend any funds under this section unless and until federal-aid matching funds are made available for this purpose.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13335,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Policies and Regulations","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13334,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:40","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:40","permalink":{"id":205585,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13335,"identifier":"1","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1","url":"\/33.2\/II\/12\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13334,"edition_id":1,"name":"Outdoor Advertising in Sight of Public Highways","identifier":"12","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12830,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:40","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:40","permalink":{"id":205583,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13334,"identifier":"12","token":"33.2\/II\/12","url":"\/33.2\/II\/12\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12830,"edition_id":1,"name":"Modes of Transportation: Highways, Bridges, Ferries, Rail, and Public Transportation","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12806,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","permalink":{"id":205369,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12830,"identifier":"II","token":"33.2\/II","url":"\/33.2\/II\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12806,"edition_id":1,"name":"Highways and Other Surface Transportation Systems","identifier":"33.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:54","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:54","permalink":{"id":204785,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12806,"identifier":"33.2","token":"33.2","url":"\/33.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":68297,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1200","catch_line":"Policy; definitions","url":"\/33.2-1200\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1200","metadata":false},{"id":59200,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1201","catch_line":"Enforcement of provisions by Commissioner of Highways","url":"\/33.2-1201\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1201","metadata":false},{"id":66077,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1202","catch_line":"Territory to which article applies","url":"\/33.2-1202\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1202","metadata":false},{"id":58790,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1203","catch_line":"Entry upon lands; hindering Commissioner of Highways or agent","url":"\/33.2-1203\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1203","metadata":false},{"id":87257,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1204","catch_line":"Excepted signs, advertisements, and advertising structures","url":"\/33.2-1204\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1204","metadata":false},{"id":70142,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1205","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/33.2-1205\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1205","metadata":false},{"id":68592,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1206","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/33.2-1206\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1206","metadata":false},{"id":86088,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1207","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/33.2-1207\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1207","metadata":false},{"id":83618,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1208","catch_line":"Permits required","url":"\/33.2-1208\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1208","metadata":false},{"id":79923,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1209","catch_line":"Applications for permits; fees","url":"\/33.2-1209\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1209","metadata":false},{"id":66207,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1210","catch_line":"Duration and renewal of permit","url":"\/33.2-1210\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1210","metadata":false},{"id":80749,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1211","catch_line":"Revocation of permit","url":"\/33.2-1211\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1211","metadata":false},{"id":61989,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1212","catch_line":"Temporary permit","url":"\/33.2-1212\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1212","metadata":false},{"id":65820,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1213","catch_line":"Appeal from refusal or revocation of permit","url":"\/33.2-1213\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1213","metadata":false},{"id":86728,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1214","catch_line":"Transfer of permits to successor concerns","url":"\/33.2-1214\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1214","metadata":false},{"id":73655,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1215","catch_line":"Identification of advertising structure or advertisement","url":"\/33.2-1215\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1215","metadata":false},{"id":63530,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1216","catch_line":"Certain advertisements or structures prohibited","url":"\/33.2-1216\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1216","metadata":false},{"id":61349,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1217","catch_line":"Special provisions pertaining to Interstate System, National Highway System, and federal-aid primary highways","url":"\/33.2-1217\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1217","metadata":false},{"id":86265,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1218","catch_line":"Removal of billboard signs under this chapter prohibited without just compensation","url":"\/33.2-1218\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1218","metadata":false},{"id":80128,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1219","catch_line":"Maintenance and repair of nonconforming billboard signs","url":"\/33.2-1219\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1219","metadata":false},{"id":75609,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1220","catch_line":"Regulations and agreements with United States implementing \u00a7 33.2-1217","url":"\/33.2-1220\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1220","metadata":false},{"id":54319,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1221","catch_line":"Selective pruning permits; fees; penalty","url":"\/33.2-1221\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1221","metadata":false},{"id":57234,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1222","catch_line":"Tree-trimming policies","url":"\/33.2-1222\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1222","metadata":false},{"id":80074,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1223","catch_line":"Pasting advertisements prohibited in certain instances","url":"\/33.2-1223\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1223","metadata":false},{"id":74225,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1224","catch_line":"Signs or advertising on rocks, poles, etc., within limits of highway; civil penalty","url":"\/33.2-1224\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1224","metadata":false},{"id":85049,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1225","catch_line":"Commissioner of Highways may enter into certain agreements; civil penalties","url":"\/33.2-1225\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1225","metadata":false},{"id":75960,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1226","catch_line":"Harmony of regulations","url":"\/33.2-1226\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1226","metadata":false},{"id":86362,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1227","catch_line":"Violation a nuisance; abatement","url":"\/33.2-1227\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1227","metadata":false},{"id":72726,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1228","catch_line":"Disposition of fees","url":"\/33.2-1228\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1228","metadata":false},{"id":75069,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1229","catch_line":"Penalties for violation","url":"\/33.2-1229\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1229","metadata":false},{"id":66719,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1230","catch_line":"Adjustment or relocation of certain billboard signs","url":"\/33.2-1230\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1230","metadata":false},{"id":59479,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1231","catch_line":"Construction of article","url":"\/33.2-1231\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1231","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":63530,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1216","catch_line":"Certain advertisements or structures prohibited","url":"\/33.2-1216\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1216","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":86265,"structure_id":13335,"section_number":"33.2-1218","catch_line":"Removal of billboard signs under this chapter prohibited without just compensation","url":"\/33.2-1218\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1218","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/33.2-1217\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 11 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1960, chapter 406; in 1962, chapter 176; in 1966, chapter 663; in 1970, chapter 322; in 1976, chapters 14 and 29; in 1980, chapter 275; in 1993, chapter 538; in 2000, chapters 432<\/a> and 449<\/a>; in 2013, chapters 585<\/a> and 646<\/a>; in 2014, chapter 805<\/a>; in 2018, chapters 352<\/a> and 353<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":87257,"section_number":"33.2-1204","catch_line":"Excepted signs, advertisements, and advertising structures","order_by":null,"url":"\/33.2-1204\/"},{"id":83618,"section_number":"33.2-1208","catch_line":"Permits required","order_by":null,"url":"\/33.2-1208\/"},{"id":75609,"section_number":"33.2-1220","catch_line":"Regulations and agreements with United States implementing \u00a7 33.2-1217","order_by":null,"url":"\/33.2-1220\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":66077,"section_number":"33.2-1202","catch_line":"Territory to which article applies","order_by":null,"url":"\/33.2-1202\/"}],"permalink":{"id":205655,"object_type":"law","relational_id":61349,"identifier":"33.2-1217","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1217","url":"\/33.2-1217\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/33.2-1217\/","token":"33.2\/II\/12\/1\/33.2-1217","dublin_core":{"Title":"Special provisions pertaining to Interstate System, National Highway System, and federal-aid primary highways","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 33.2-1217","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Notwithstanding the territorial limitation set out in § 33.2-1202<\/a>, no sign or advertisement adjacent to any Interstate System<\/span>, National Highway System<\/span>, or federal-aid primary highway<\/span> shall be erected, maintained, or displayed that is visible from the main traveled way within 660 feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way, except as provided in subsections B and D, and outside of an urban area, no sign or advertisement beyond 660 feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way of any Interstate System<\/span>, National Highway System<\/span>, or federal-aid primary highway<\/span> that is visible from the main traveled way shall be erected, maintained, or displayed with the purpose of its message being read from the main traveled way, except as set forth in subsection C. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The following signs, advertisements, or advertising structures may be erected, maintained, and displayed within 660 feet of the right-of-way of any Interstate System<\/span>, National Highway System<\/span>, or federal-aid primary highway<\/span>:\n\t\t\tClass 1: Official signs. Directional and official signs and notices, including signs and notices pertaining to the availability of food, lodging, vehicle service and tourist information, natural wonders, scenic areas, museums, and historic attractions, as authorized or required by law<\/span>; however, where such signs or notices pertain to facilities or attractions that are barrier free, such signs or notices shall contain the International Symbol of Access. The Board<\/span> shall determine the type, lighting, size, location, number, and other requirements of signs of this class.\n\t\t\tClass 2: On-premises signs. Signs not prohibited by other parts of this article that are consistent with the applicable provisions of this section and that advertise the sale or lease of, or activities being conducted upon, the real property where the signs are located, provided that any such signs that are located adjacent to and within 660 feet of any Interstate System<\/span> highway and do not lie in commercial or industrial zones within the boundaries of incorporated municipalities, as such boundaries existed on September 21, 1959, wherein the use of real property adjacent to the Interstate System<\/span> is subject to municipal regulation or control, or in areas where land use as of September 21, 1959, was clearly established by state law<\/span> as industrial or commercial, shall comply with the following requirements: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Not more than one sign advertising the sale or lease of the same property may be erected or maintained in such manner as to be visible to traffic proceeding in any one direction on any one Interstate System<\/span> highway; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Not more than one sign visible to traffic proceeding in any one direction on any one Interstate System<\/span> highway and advertising activities being conducted upon the real property where the sign is located may be erected or maintained more than 50 feet from the advertised activity; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> No sign, except one that is not more than 50 feet from the advertised activity, that displays any trade name that refers to or identifies any service rendered or product sold may be erected or maintained unless the name of the advertised activity is displayed as conspicuously as such trade name.\n\t\t\t\tClass 3: Other signs. Any signs or advertisements that are located within areas adjacent to any Interstate System<\/span>, National Highway System<\/span>, or federal-aid primary highway<\/span> that are zoned industrial or commercial under authority of state law<\/span> or in unzoned commercial or industrial areas as determined by the Board<\/span> from actual land uses. The Board<\/span> shall determine the size, lighting, and spacing of signs of this class, provided that such determination shall be no more restrictive than valid federal requirements on the same subject. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The following signs, advertisements, or advertising structures may be erected, maintained, and displayed beyond 660 feet of the right-of-way of any Interstate System<\/span>, National Highway System<\/span>, or federal-aid primary highway<\/span> outside urban areas: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Class 1 and Class 2 signs, advertisements, or advertising structures set forth in subsection B. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> All other signs, advertisements, or advertising structures erected, maintained, or displayed more than 660 feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of an Interstate System<\/span>, National Highway System<\/span>, or federal-aid primary highway<\/span>, unless such sign or advertisement is visible from the main traveled way of such highways and erected, maintained, or displayed with the purpose of its message being read from the main traveled way of such highways.\n\t\t\t\tIn determining whether a sign, advertisement, or advertising structure is “erected, maintained, or displayed with the purpose of its message being read,” the Commissioner of Highways<\/span> shall consider, at a minimum, the nature of the business or product advertised thereon, the availability of such business or product to users of the controlled highway, and the visibility of the sign, advertisement, or advertising structure from the main traveled way of the controlled highway. Such visibility may be measured by considering the size or height of the sign, advertisement, or advertising structure; the configuration, size, and height of recognizable emblems, images, and lettering thereon; the angle of the sign, advertisement, or advertising structure to the main traveled way of the controlled highway; the degree to which physical obstructions hinder the view of the sign, advertisement, or advertising structure from the main traveled way of the controlled highway; and the time during which such sign, advertisement, or advertising structure is exposed to view by travelers on the main traveled way of the controlled highway traveling at the maximum and minimum speeds posted. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> In order<\/span> to provide information in the specific interest of the traveling public, the Department<\/span> is authorized to maintain maps, permit informational directories and advertising pamphlets to be made available at rest areas, and establish information centers at rest areas for the purpose of informing the public of places of interest within the Commonwealth and providing such other information as may be considered desirable. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> Notwithstanding any other provision of law<\/span>, lawfully erected and maintained nonconforming signs, advertisements, and advertising structures shall not be removed or eliminated by amortization under state law<\/span> or local ordinances<\/span> without compensation as described in subsection F. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> The Commissioner of Highways<\/span> is authorized to acquire by purchase, gift, or the power of eminent domain and to pay just compensation upon the removal of nonconforming signs, advertisements, or advertising structures lawfully erected and maintained under state law<\/span> or state regulations, provided that subsequent to November 6, 1978, whenever any local ordinance<\/span> that is more restrictive than state law<\/span> requires the removal of such signs, advertisements, or advertising structures, the local governing body shall initiate the removal of such signs, advertisements, or advertising structures with the Commissioner of Highways<\/span>, who shall have complete authority to administer the removal of such signs, advertisements, or advertising structures. Upon proof of payment presented to the local governing bodies, the local governing bodies shall reimburse the Commissioner of Highways<\/span> the funds expended that are associated with the removal of such signs, advertisements, or advertising structures required by local ordinances<\/span>, less any federal funds received for such purposes. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, nothing shall prohibit the local governing bodies from removing signs, advertisements, or advertising structures that are made nonconforming solely by local ordinances<\/span> so long as those ordinances<\/span> require the local governing bodies to pay 100 percent of the cost of removing them and just compensation upon their removal.\n\t\t\tSuch compensation is authorized to be paid only for the taking from the owner of such sign or advertisement of all right, title, leasehold, and interest in such sign or advertisement and the taking from the owner of the real property on which the sign or advertisement is located of the right to erect and maintain such sign or advertisement thereon.\n\t\t\tThe Commissioner of Highways<\/span> shall not be required to expend any funds under this section unless and until federal-aid matching funds are made available for this purpose. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nSPECIAL PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO INTERSTATE SYSTEM, NATIONAL HIGHWAY SYSTEM, AND\nFEDERAL-AID PRIMARY HIGHWAYS (\u00a7 33.2-1217)\n\nA. Notwithstanding the territorial limitation set out in § 33.2-1202, no\nsign or advertisement adjacent to any Interstate System, National Highway\nSystem, or federal-aid primary highway shall be erected, maintained, or\ndisplayed that is visible from the main traveled way within 660 feet of the\nnearest edge of the right-of-way, except as provided in subsections B and D, and\noutside of an urban area, no sign or advertisement beyond 660 feet of the\nnearest edge of the right-of-way of any Interstate System, National Highway\nSystem, or federal-aid primary highway that is visible from the main traveled\nway shall be erected, maintained, or displayed with the purpose of its message\nbeing read from the main traveled way, except as set forth in subsection C.\n\nB. The following signs, advertisements, or advertising structures may be\nerected, maintained, and displayed within 660 feet of the right-of-way of any\nInterstate System, National Highway System, or federal-aid primary highway:\n\t\t\tClass 1: Official signs. Directional and official signs and notices,\nincluding signs and notices pertaining to the availability of food, lodging,\nvehicle service and tourist information, natural wonders, scenic areas, museums,\nand historic attractions, as authorized or required by law; however, where such\nsigns or notices pertain to facilities or attractions that are barrier free,\nsuch signs or notices shall contain the International Symbol of Access. The\nBoard shall determine the type, lighting, size, location, number, and other\nrequirements of signs of this class.\n\t\t\tClass 2: On-premises signs. Signs not prohibited by other parts of this\narticle that are consistent with the applicable provisions of this section and\nthat advertise the sale or lease of, or activities being conducted upon, the\nreal property where the signs are located, provided that any such signs that are\nlocated adjacent to and within 660 feet of any Interstate System highway and do\nnot lie in commercial or industrial zones within the boundaries of incorporated\nmunicipalities, as such boundaries existed on September 21, 1959, wherein the\nuse of real property adjacent to the Interstate System is subject to municipal\nregulation or control, or in areas where land use as of September 21, 1959, was\nclearly established by state law as industrial or commercial, shall comply with\nthe following requirements:\n\n 1. Not more than one sign advertising the sale or lease of the same property\n may be erected or maintained in such manner as to be visible to traffic\n proceeding in any one direction on any one Interstate System highway;\n\n 2. Not more than one sign visible to traffic proceeding in any one direction\n on any one Interstate System highway and advertising activities being\n conducted upon the real property where the sign is located may be erected or\n maintained more than 50 feet from the advertised activity; and\n\n 3. No sign, except one that is not more than 50 feet from the advertised\n activity, that displays any trade name that refers to or identifies any\n service rendered or product sold may be erected or maintained unless the name\n of the advertised activity is displayed as conspicuously as such trade name.\n \t\t\t\tClass 3: Other signs. Any signs or advertisements that are located within\n areas adjacent to any Interstate System, National Highway System, or\n federal-aid primary highway that are zoned industrial or commercial under\n authority of state law or in unzoned commercial or industrial areas as\n determined by the Board from actual land uses. The Board shall determine the\n size, lighting, and spacing of signs of this class, provided that such\n determination shall be no more restrictive than valid federal requirements on\n the same subject.\n\nC. The following signs, advertisements, or advertising structures may be\nerected, maintained, and displayed beyond 660 feet of the right-of-way of any\nInterstate System, National Highway System, or federal-aid primary highway\noutside urban areas:\n\n 1. Class 1 and Class 2 signs, advertisements, or advertising structures set\n forth in subsection B.\n\n 2. All other signs, advertisements, or advertising structures erected,\n maintained, or displayed more than 660 feet from the nearest edge of the\n right-of-way of an Interstate System, National Highway System, or federal-aid\n primary highway, unless such sign or advertisement is visible from the main\n traveled way of such highways and erected, maintained, or displayed with the\n purpose of its message being read from the main traveled way of such highways.\n \t\t\t\tIn determining whether a sign, advertisement, or advertising structure is\n “erected, maintained, or displayed with the purpose of its message being\n read,” the Commissioner of Highways shall consider, at a minimum, the\n nature of the business or product advertised thereon, the availability of such\n business or product to users of the controlled highway, and the visibility of\n the sign, advertisement, or advertising structure from the main traveled way\n of the controlled highway. Such visibility may be measured by considering the\n size or height of the sign, advertisement, or advertising structure; the\n configuration, size, and height of recognizable emblems, images, and lettering\n thereon; the angle of the sign, advertisement, or advertising structure to the\n main traveled way of the controlled highway; the degree to which physical\n obstructions hinder the view of the sign, advertisement, or advertising\n structure from the main traveled way of the controlled highway; and the time\n during which such sign, advertisement, or advertising structure is exposed to\n view by travelers on the main traveled way of the controlled highway traveling\n at the maximum and minimum speeds posted.\n\nD. In order to provide information in the specific interest of the traveling\npublic, the Department is authorized to maintain maps, permit informational\ndirectories and advertising pamphlets to be made available at rest areas, and\nestablish information centers at rest areas for the purpose of informing the\npublic of places of interest within the Commonwealth and providing such other\ninformation as may be considered desirable.\n\nE. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, lawfully erected and maintained\nnonconforming signs, advertisements, and advertising structures shall not be\nremoved or eliminated by amortization under state law or local ordinances\nwithout compensation as described in subsection F.\n\nF. The Commissioner of Highways is authorized to acquire by purchase, gift, or\nthe power of eminent domain and to pay just compensation upon the removal of\nnonconforming signs, advertisements, or advertising structures lawfully erected\nand maintained under state law or state regulations, provided that subsequent to\nNovember 6, 1978, whenever any local ordinance that is more restrictive than\nstate law requires the removal of such signs, advertisements, or advertising\nstructures, the local governing body shall initiate the removal of such signs,\nadvertisements, or advertising structures with the Commissioner of Highways, who\nshall have complete authority to administer the removal of such signs,\nadvertisements, or advertising structures. Upon proof of payment presented to\nthe local governing bodies, the local governing bodies shall reimburse the\nCommissioner of Highways the funds expended that are associated with the removal\nof such signs, advertisements, or advertising structures required by local\nordinances, less any federal funds received for such purposes. Notwithstanding\nthe provisions of this subsection, nothing shall prohibit the local governing\nbodies from removing signs, advertisements, or advertising structures that are\nmade nonconforming solely by local ordinances so long as those ordinances\nrequire the local governing bodies to pay 100 percent of the cost of removing\nthem and just compensation upon their removal.\n\t\t\tSuch compensation is authorized to be paid only for the taking from the owner\nof such sign or advertisement of all right, title, leasehold, and interest in\nsuch sign or advertisement and the taking from the owner of the real property on\nwhich the sign or advertisement is located of the right to erect and maintain\nsuch sign or advertisement thereon.\n\t\t\tThe Commissioner of Highways shall not be required to expend any funds under\nthis section unless and until federal-aid matching funds are made available for\nthis purpose.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 33-317.1; 1960, c. 406; 1962, c. 176; 1966, c. 663; 1970,\nc. 322, \u00a7 33.1-370; 1976, cc. 14, 29; 1980, c. 275; 1993, c. 538; 2000, cc.\n432, 449; 2013, cc. 585, 646; 2014, c. 805; 2018, cc. 352, 353.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}