Trans 200.07 HistoryHistory: Cr. Register, April, 1983, No. 328, eff. 5-1-83; r. (5), Register, September, 1986, No. 369, eff. 10-1-86; correction made in (4) under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 14., Stats., Register, July, 1992, No. 439; correction in (1) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register March 2012 No. 675; CR 22-048: am. (title), (1) Register July 2023 No. 811, eff. 8-1-23. Trans 200.08Trans 200.08 Tourist-oriented directional signs. Trans 200.08(1)(1) Signs permitted. The department and local authorities that have adopted an enabling ordinance may authorize the erection and maintenance of tourist-oriented directional signs within highways under their jurisdiction subject to the provisions of s. 86.196, Stats., and the following restrictions: Trans 200.08(1)(a)(a) No tourist-oriented directional sign may be erected or maintained by an applicant. Trans 200.08(1)(b)(b) No tourist-oriented directional sign may be erected or maintained for any business that has a guidance sign erected on a right-of-way under s. Trans 200.03 on the same road, in the same direction, unless the guidance sign is removed before the tourist-oriented directional sign is erected. Trans 200.08(1)(c)(c) No tourist-oriented directional sign may be installed or maintained directing to a tourist-oriented business, service or activity that is located within an urban area as defined by s. 86.196 (1) (c), Stats. Trans 200.08(1)(d)(d) No tourist-oriented directional sign may be erected or maintained that fails to conform with s. 86.19, 86.191, 86.196 or 346.41, Stats., or rules implementing or interpreting these statutes, as determined by the department. Trans 200.08(1)(e)(e) No tourist-oriented directional sign may be erected or maintained if the applicant has an outdoor advertising sign for the same business, service or activity in violation of s. 84.30, Stats., or ch. Trans 201. Trans 200.08(1)(f)(f) Any person permitted to have a tourist-oriented directional sign shall provide for the installation and maintenance of any supplemental signing deemed necessary by the department to guide traffic to the tourist-oriented business, service or activity. Trans 200.08(1)(g)1.1. No tourist-oriented directional sign may be erected on a conventional state trunk highway directing to a tourist-oriented business, service or activity that is located on a freeway, expressway or any other conventional state trunk highway. Local authorities may adopt similar restrictions with reference to highways under their jurisdiction. Trans 200.08(1)(g)2.2. No tourist-oriented directional sign may be erected on an expressway directing to a tourist-oriented business, service or activity that is located on a freeway or any other expressway. Trans 200.08(1)(h)(h) No intersection tourist-oriented directional assembly may be erected or maintained at a location such that there exists another intersection between the assembly and the intersection at which the assembly applies. The department may authorize advance tourist-oriented directional assemblies in accordance with sub. (6) (d) and (e) at locations where 2 intersections are so closely spaced that it is not practical to install intersection tourist-oriented directional assemblies between the 2 intersections. Trans 200.08(1)(i)(i) The location of an existing official traffic control device, or the need for a new device, shall take precedence over the location of a tourist-oriented directional sign, either existing or proposed. Trans 200.08(1)(j)(j) The department reserves the right to require the relocation or removal of tourist-oriented directional signs, if necessary, for the safety of the traveling public, to install official traffic signs at or in the vicinity of existing tourist-oriented directional signs. Trans 200.08(1)(k)(k) When there are more tourist-oriented directional signs requested than the number that may be permitted, priority shall be given in the following order: Trans 200.08(1)(k)1.1. The businesses, services or activities with existing permitted tourist-oriented directional signs. Trans 200.08(1)(k)2.2. Businesses, services or activities with the earliest received application. Applications received on the same day will be considered received simultaneously. Trans 200.08(1)(k)3.3. The business, service or activity that is nearest the highway on which the tourist-oriented directional sign is located. Trans 200.08(1)(L)(L) Any tourist-oriented directional sign for a business, service or activity operated on a seasonal basis shall be removed during off-seasons. The permittee shall notify the department or its contractor not less than 15 calendar days before the closing and reopening date. Trans 200.08(1)(m)2.2. That has an objectionable appearance as determined by the department due to accident, vandalism, fading, deterioration or other causes. Trans 200.08(1)(m)4.4. In violation of an order of the department or any court of competent jurisdiction. Trans 200.08(1)(m)5.5. For any business service or activity that fails to conform with all applicable laws concerning the provision of public accommodations without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation or national origin. Trans 200.08(1)(m)6.6. If the business, service or activity does not meet pertinent health and other administrative regulations including, but not limited to, licensure by an appropriate agency. Trans 200.08(1)(m)7.7. Until an investigation by the department determines that no conflict resulting in unsafe driving conditions will exist with other official traffic control devices. Trans 200.08(1)(m)8.8. Which displays the hours of operation or dates of operation, if seasonal, of the business, service or activity. Trans 200.08(1)(m)9.9. To direct to a business, service or activity that is located on the same highway on which tourist-oriented directional signs are requested. Trans 200.08(1)(n)(n) Tourist-oriented directional sign removal shall not be stayed by filing any appeal of the department’s decision or order to remove a tourist-oriented directional sign. A reviewing court may order a stay upon such terms as it deems proper pursuant to s. 227.54, Stats. Trans 200.08(1)(o)(o) Tourist-oriented directional sign removal shall not affect a sign requestor’s liability for any unpaid fees, interest and costs of collection as determined by the department. Trans 200.08(2)(2) Businesses, services, activities permitted. In order to qualify for a tourist-oriented directional sign, the business, service or activity: Trans 200.08(2)(a)(a) Shall be conducted in an appropriate area or in a building appropriately designed for the purpose and shall be open to the public; Trans 200.08(2)(b)(b) May not be conducted in a building principally used as a residence unless there is a convenient, separate and well-marked entrance leading to the business, service or activity; Trans 200.08(2)(c)(c) Shall be maintained in a manner consistent with standards generally accepted for that type of business, service or activity; Trans 200.08(2)(d)(d) Shall be of significant interest to the traveling public to the extent that 50% or more of its annual visitors or its annual gross income is derived from customers residing outside the immediate area in which the business, service or activity is located; and Trans 200.08(2)(e)5.b.b. Be open a minimum of 8 hours per day, and 5 days per week, if the highway on which the tourist-oriented directional sign is located is a state trunk highway; Trans 200.08(2)(e)5.c.c. Be in operation the greater part of 3 consecutive months, if the highway on which the tourist-oriented directional sign is located is a state trunk highway; and Trans 200.08(3)(3) Advisory council. The department may appoint an advisory council under ss. 15.04 (1) (c) and 15.09, Stats., to review applications for tourist-oriented directional signs on the state trunk highway system in the tourist attraction category and for “ATTRACTION” category signs under s. Trans 200.06. This 7 member council shall include representatives from the tourism industry, department of tourism, department of safety and professional services, and other organizations as determined by the department and shall make recommendations to the department to approve or deny applications. The department shall make the final decision on applications. The department shall furnish to the advisory council minimum criteria and requirements for the uniform evaluation and assessment of applications. The department, in collaboration with the advisory council, may make revisions to the application evaluation criteria if at any time it is apparent that the criteria or implementation process are inequitable to the applicants or that the signing itself creates operational or safety concerns. The advisory council shall meet as needed to consider and make recommendations on applications received by the department. The department may act on any application not acted upon by the advisory council within 60 days of forwarding of the application to the council. Members of the advisory council will not be compensated for their services or reimbursed for their expenses, except the department may reimburse private citizen members in hardship cases for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Trans 200.08(4)(a)(a) The department shall provide forms for tourist-oriented directional sign applications at its region offices. Completed applications shall be submitted to the region office for the region where the tourist-oriented directional sign is to be located. Each applicant shall provide all information required on the department’s application form. If the application for the tourist-oriented directional sign is denied, the application fee shall be returned. Trans 200.08(4)(b)(b) Each applicant shall give written assurance on its application to the department that the applicant’s business, service or activity conforms with all applicable laws concerning the provision of public accommodations without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation or national origin. Trans 200.08(4)(c)(c) Each applicant shall indicate on its application whether its business, service or activity is seasonal and the closing and opening dates of the business if seasonal. The applicant shall give assurance to the department that it will provide prior notification of at least 15 calendar days to the region office of the region in which the tourist-oriented directional sign is located of any change in seasonal dates. Trans 200.08(4)(d)(d) Each applicant shall state on its application that it shall furnish the department, upon granting of the permit, the legend and directional information meeting the department’s specifications for tourist-oriented directional signs. Trans 200.08(4)(e)(e) If a tourist-oriented directional sign application is approved, the application fee of $20.00 per year for each year of the initial 5-year period of the tourist-oriented directional sign program shall be retained by the department for administrative costs and routine inspection. Renewal of the permit shall be subject to review and approval or denial by the department and the department shall re-evaluate the fee during the 5-year period and shall establish a new fee to cover costs in order to comply with s. 86.196 (2) (c), Stats. Trans 200.08(4)(f)(f) The business, service or activity for which a tourist-oriented directional sign is requested shall be the applicant’s and the permit shall be issued to the applicant. Trans 200.08(4)(g)(g) In lieu of the application and permit renewal procedure under pars. (a) to (f), the department may enter into a contract or contracts with a private contractor or contractors that specify substantially similar application and permit renewal procedures. Trans 200.08(4)(h)(h) Notwithstanding any prior grant or renewal of a tourist-oriented directional sign permit, the renewal of the permit shall not be granted, or the permit previously granted shall be revoked for any one of the following reasons: Trans 200.08(4)(h)1.1. If the qualified business, service or activity fails to provide the services required to qualify for a tourist-oriented directional sign so as to justify a finding that the business, service or activity is not in substantial compliance with this section; Trans 200.08(4)(h)2.2. If the qualified business, service or activity fails during its normal business season to open for business for more than 7 consecutive days, or for more than 10 days cumulatively, during any one-month period, unless the department finds that such closure was beyond the control of the owner or responsible operator or that the closure was justified by extenuating circumstances. Trans 200.08(4)(i)(i) If, due to fire, accident or similar cause, a qualified business, service or activity becomes inoperable for an extended period of time, exceeding 7 days, but not more than 90 days, its tourist-oriented directional sign shall be temporarily removed but shall not lose its priority. Under these circumstances, it shall be unnecessary to reapply prior to the normal time for a permit renewal. Further extensions may be granted if good cause is shown. However, failure of the owner or responsible operator to proceed with necessary repairs as rapidly as possible shall cause loss of the right to continued placement of the tourist-oriented directional sign and will require a new permit application. Trans 200.08(4)(j)(j) All tourist-oriented directional sign permits may be canceled by the department on 30 days written notice; except that when good cause is shown, a permit may be canceled with 10 days written notice. Trans 200.08(5)(a)(a) The applicant requesting the erection of a tourist-oriented directional sign shall pay to the department an application fee of $100.00, representing $20.00 each year, to cover a 5-year period, for administrative costs and the cost of routine tourist-oriented directional sign inspection. The 5-year period begins on the date the sign is erected. A separate application and $100.00 fee is required for each tourist-oriented directional sign and for each advance tourist-oriented directional sign requested. The department shall re-evaluate the fee during the initial 5-year period of the tourist-oriented directional sign program and shall establish a new fee to cover costs in order to comply with s. 86.196 (2) (c), Stats. The applicant granted a permit shall pay the department a fee established by the department for each tourist-oriented directional sign and for each advance tourist-oriented directional sign, if any, before the anniversary date of the erection of the tourist-oriented directional sign for each 5-year period following the erection of the sign. If the department does not receive payment of the fee by the 5-year anniversary date, the department may decline to renew the permit and the tourist-oriented directional sign may be removed. Trans 200.08(5)(b)(b) Applicants shall be responsible for the full cost of fabricating and supplying tourist-oriented directional signs to the department, in accordance with specifications established by the department. If the tourist-oriented directional sign program is privately contracted, signs may be furnished by the contractor. Trans 200.08(5)(c)(c) After application approval, the department or its contractor shall install tourist-oriented directional signs supplied by the applicant or the contractor and an appropriate installation fee will be charged the applicant. Trans 200.08(5)(d)(d) Any tourist-oriented directional sign determined by the department to be ineffective due to accident, vandalism or wear shall be replaced at the expense of the applicant in accordance with pars. (b) and (c). The applicant shall contact the department’s region office to obtain current tourist-oriented directional sign specifications prior to the fabrication of any replacement tourist-oriented directional sign. Trans 200.08(5)(e)(e) The department or its contractor shall be responsible for any necessary adjustments in tourist-oriented directional assemblies and tourist-oriented directional signs for special circumstances as described in sub. (8) (f). Trans 200.08(6)(a)(a) The department shall prepare plans and specifications for the manufacture, installation and maintenance of tourist-oriented directional signs and tourist-oriented directional assemblies. The department’s specifications shall require all tourist-oriented directional assembly supports to be of breakaway design. The department may manufacture and install tourist-oriented directional assemblies and tourist-oriented directional signs by installation contract or by maintenance contract. Contracts may be of any regional, district or local scope deemed reasonable and cost-effective by the department. All installation and maintenance work shall be done under contracts or procedures administered by the department. No installation, maintenance or other work may be done by any applicant, except for removal and replacement due to seasonal closures. The applicant shall furnish the department or its contractor the appropriate legend and directional information meeting the department’s specifications for tourist-oriented directional signs. All materials furnished as a tourist-oriented directional sign by an applicant or by the department’s contractor shall become and remain the property of the department once installed within any public highway, or as otherwise specified in the department’s contract with its contractor. Failure by the applicant to deliver the tourist-oriented directional sign within the specified period, to provide for the installation of necessary supplemental signs, or to conform the sign to the department’s specifications may result in the forfeiture of all fees and costs, and another business, service or activity may be given the opportunity to qualify to provide the signs for the vacated space. Trans 200.08(6)(b)(b) Sign maintenance contracts shall include provisions for installation of additional tourist-oriented directional signs on existing tourist-oriented directional assemblies; replacement of damaged, defective or obsolete signs; removal of signs; and costs for these items. Trans 200.08(6)(c)(c) Maintenance contracts may contain provisions for a negotiated price for unanticipated installation of tourist-oriented directional signs, including supports. Trans 200.08(6)(d)(d) In lieu of or in addition to the contracting procedures in pars. (a) to (c), the department may enter into a contract that specifies alternative manufacture, installation, maintenance, marketing and implementation methods with a private contractor. Trans 200.08(6)(e)(e) Applicant or contractor shall be responsible for removing and replacing signs for seasonal services. This activity shall be in accordance with department standards and applicant or contractor performing the activity shall hold harmless the department in case of any accident or injury due to this operation. Trans 200.08(7)(a)(a) Distance to tourist-oriented business, service or activity. A tourist-oriented business, service or activity may not be located in excess of the 5-mile distance specified in s. 86.196 (5), Stats., from the highway intersection at which tourist-oriented directional signs are to be located to qualify for a tourist-oriented directional sign, unless the distance limit is increased by a statutory enactment of the Wisconsin Legislature that is consistent with federal law. Distance to a business, service or activity will be measured from the near edge of the main travelled way to the center line extended of the closest business driveway of the business, service or activity. Trans 200.08(7)(b)(b) Lateral location. The location for tourist-oriented directional signs shall be determined by the department to preserve highway safety, to take advantage of natural terrain, to have the least impact on the scenic environment, to minimize conflict with scenic easements and to avoid visual conflict with other signs within the highway or with signs authorized or permitted under s. 84.30, Stats. The signs shall be installed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Wisconsin manual on traffic control devices adopted by the department under s. 84.02 (4) (e), Stats. Trans 200.08(7)(c)(c) Location of tourist-oriented directional assemblies. Tourist-oriented directional assemblies located at intersections shall be at least 200 feet from the intersection. If 2 tourist-oriented directional assemblies are required for one direction leading to an intersection, the tourist-oriented directional assembly for right turns shall be at least 200 feet from the intersection and the tourist-oriented directional assembly for left turns shall be at least 300 feet away from the right-turn assembly, moving away from the intersection. Trans 200.08(7)(d)(d) Advance tourist-oriented directional assemblies. Advance tourist-oriented directional assemblies may be permitted only in those situations where the department determines that sight distance or other geometric conditions, intersection vehicle maneuvers or other vehicle operating characteristics require advance notification of the service to reduce vehicle conflicts or improve highway safety on the approach to and at the intersection where turning movements would occur. Trans 200.08(7)(e)(e) Order of advance tourist-oriented directional assemblies. The order of advance tourist-oriented directional assemblies shall be identical to the order of tourist-oriented directional signs found at intersections. However, advance tourist-oriented directional signs shall omit directional arrows and distances. The legend NEXT RIGHT or NEXT LEFT, whichever is appropriate, in letters of the same height as the sign legends, will be placed on the tourist-oriented directional assemblies above the tourist-oriented directional signs. The department or its contractor shall be responsible for the fabrication, installation and maintenance of NEXT RIGHT and NEXT LEFT panels. Trans 200.08(7)(f)(f) Location of advance tourist-oriented directional assemblies. When used, advance tourist-oriented directional assemblies shall be located approximately 1/2 mile from the intersection. The distance between adjacent advance tourist-oriented directional assemblies shall be at least 800 feet. Trans 200.08(7)(g)(g) Precedence of advance or intersection tourist-oriented directional assemblies. An advance tourist-oriented directional assembly replaces and is not in addition to the intersection tourist-oriented directional assembly which would otherwise be installed at the intersection. Trans 200.08(7)(h)(h) Relationship to rail crossings. All tourist-oriented directional assemblies shall be located at least 750 feet from railroad crossings on the highway on which tourist-oriented directional signs are to be located. Trans 200.08(7)(i)(i) Traffic control device precedence. The location of other traffic control devices shall take precedence over the location of tourist-oriented directional signs. Tourist-oriented directional assemblies shall be located at least 300 feet from other traffic control devices. Trans 200.08(7)(j)(j) Supplemental signing. Where the department requires, an applicant shall provide adequate supplemental signs on local roads and streets to guide motorists to the business, service or activity. Any required supplemental signs shall be in place before the tourist-oriented directional sign may be erected on a state trunk highway. Supplemental signs may be necessary where the business, service or activity is not located on a crossroad of the highway upon which the tourist-oriented directional sign is placed. Where supplemental signing is required by the department, it shall be the responsibility of the applicant to make arrangements with the appropriate local authority, and make the necessary payments to the local authority for the erection and maintenance of such signs. Trans 200.08(8)(a)(a) Tourist-oriented directional signs may be designed in any manner that complies with the applicable provisions of the Wisconsin manual on traffic control devices adopted by the department under s. 84.02 (4) (e), Stats. Briefly, the Wisconsin manual provides in part that tourist-oriented directional signs shall be rectangular in shape and shall have a white legend and border on a blue background. Each tourist-oriented directional sign shall have not more than 2 lines of legend including a separate directional arrow and the distance to the facility shown beneath the arrow except advance tourist-oriented directional signs as described in sub. (7) (e). The content of the legend shall be limited to the identification of the business, service or activity, and the directional information. Legends shall not include promotional advertising. Trans 200.08(8)(b)(b) The department shall develop specifications for tourist-oriented directional assembly supports, sign base material and sign message and background reflective sheeting consistent with specifications as established for department signing. If the department adopts revised specifications at any time, existing tourist-oriented directional signs may remain until replacement is necessary. The new specifications shall be applicable for replacement tourist-oriented directional signs. Trans 200.08(8)(c)(c) The style and size of lettering and the arrangement and size of signs may be of any type that complies with the applicable provisions of the Wisconsin manual on traffic control devices adopted by the department under s. 84.02 (4) (e), Stats. Briefly, the Wisconsin manual provides in part that individual tourist-oriented directional signs for intersection tourist-oriented directional assemblies shall not exceed 72″ width and the tourist-oriented directional sign for advance tourist-oriented directional assemblies shall not exceed 60″ width and the standard size and style of legend. Trans 200.08(8)(d)(d) A maximum of 4 tourist-oriented directional signs may be displayed on any one tourist-oriented directional assembly. A maximum of 2 tourist-oriented directional assemblies shall be allowed on each approach to an intersection or, when the department deems it necessary, a maximum of 2 advance tourist-oriented directional assemblies may be permitted.
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