§ 24-10.1-6. Compensation for removal of advertising. (a) Any person, firm, association, or corporation having any property interest either in any real property upon which is located any prohibited advertising sign, display, or device, or having any property interest in any prohibited advertising sign, display, or device, or having any property interest in both, shall be justly compensated by the director of transportation for any damages sustained by reason of the removal of the following prohibited advertising signs, displays, and devices:

(1) Those lawfully in existence as of May 6, 1966.

(2) Those lawfully on any highway made a part of the interstate or primary system on or after May 6, 1966 and before January 1, 1968.

(3) Those lawfully erected on or after January 1, 1968.

(b) Compensation is authorized to be paid only for the following:

(1) The taking, by virtue of the enactment of this chapter, from the owner of a prohibited sign, display or device of all right, title, leasehold, and interest in the sign, display or device; and

(2) The taking, by virtue of the enactment of this chapter, from the owner of the real property on which the prohibited sign, display, or device is located, of the right to erect and maintain such signs, displays, and devices thereon.

(c) Any person or party so entitled to compensation who cannot agree with the director of transportation as to the amount of just compensation to which he or she is so entitled, by virtue of the enactment of this chapter, may within one year from the time that the removal of such advertising is required apply for the damages to the superior court in accordance with the procedures of §§ 37-6-18 through 37-6-23.

History of Section. (P.L. 1966, ch. 117, § 1; P.L. 1968, ch. 268, § 2.)