OAR 734-060-0105: Signs of a Governmental Unit

(1) In order to qualify for a permit exemption under ORS 377.735(1)(a) as a sign of a governmental unit the following criteria must be satisfied: (a) The sign must be within the territorial or zoning jurisdiction of the governmental unit; (b) The governmental unit must have the authority to declare, expound, administer, or apply the law within the area; (c) The governmental unit may only erect the sign, or allow it to be erected, for the purpose of carrying out an official duty or responsibility directed or authorized by law. (2) Location. Signs permitted by this rule are prohibited on state highway right of way. (3) Size. Maximum area allowed is 200 square feet; maximum height allowed is 14 feet and maximum allowed length is 20 feet. (4) Number. A governmental unit may have two such permit exemptions. If the limitation on number of signs will cause undue hardship, a waiver for additional signing may be granted by the Director, or authorized representative, upon application by the sign owner. (5) The entire message must be contained on one sign. Fragmentation of messages on separate sign panels is prohibited. (6) Signs erected under this rule are subject to the provisions of ORS 377.720 and to applicable federal requirements. Nothing in this rule is intended to permit a sign that is otherwise prohibited by local, state or federal law. (7) No one may give or receive compensation for the right to place the sign or for the message(s) displayed on signs under the governmental unit exemption. Signs approved under this section, which are found to be in violation of the ORS 377.700 to ORS 377.844 and these rules, may face permanent revocation of the exemption and sign removal at the owner’s expense. (8) This rule is not intended to regulate official traffic control signs or devices. (9) To apply for the permit exemption an official of the governmental unit must submit a completed certification form, and an image of the proposed sign showing dimensions and copy, to the Outdoor Advertising Sign Program office.