Section 39-13-09 - Tourist-oriented directional signs1. In this section: a. "Tourist-oriented directional sign" means a sign providing identification of and directional information for tourist-related businesses, services, or activities.b. "Tourist-related business, service, or activity" means rural agricultural business and tourism attractions, including recreation, historical sites, festival and cultural events, lodging and food services which are singularly and uniquely related to historical, cultural, or recreational tourist attractions, and guide services, but does not include any business operated under a franchise agreement. The term includes a business that derives a major portion of income or visitors from individuals who do not reside in the immediate area of the business. The immediate area of the business is within the city limits in which the business is located, or within one mile [1.61 kilometers] from the business if located outside city limits.2. Notwithstanding section 24-01-12, the department shall establish by rule standards for the erection and maintenance of tourist-oriented directional signs. The rules must conform to federal standards for tourist-oriented directional signs adopted under 23 U.S.C. 131(q) as of July 1, 1991, and with the manual adopted by the department under section 39-13-06 except that the rules must provide that logos may not be used on tourist-oriented directional signs.3. Upon the request of any person, a local authority that has adopted an ordinance permitting the erection of tourist-oriented directional signs may authorize their erection within the right of way of any highway under the jurisdiction of the local authority except that tourist-oriented directional signs may not be erected within the right of way of the interstate highway system. A tourist-oriented directional sign may not be erected unless it is erected in compliance with rules adopted by the department for such signs.4. The permit applicant shall engage a qualified contractor for the erection, installation, and maintenance of tourist-oriented directional signs within the right of way of any highway under the jurisdiction of the department except that tourist-oriented directional signs may not be erected within the right of way of the interstate highway system. A tourist-oriented directional sign may not be erected unless it is erected in compliance with rules adopted by the department for such signs.