Virginia Law

The Commissioner of Highways, under § 33.2-1201 of the Code of Virginia, has the duty to administer and enforce provisions of Chapter 12 (§ 33.2-1200 et seq.) of Title 33.2 of the Code of Virginia. The board and the Commissioner of Highways recognize that there are other state agencies which have as their primary purpose the control and administration of the type of specific unique phenomena or site, for which a directional sign application may be made, that have valuable experience and knowledge in the matters contained in the definition of "directional signs." Therefore, the following state agencies are hereby recognized for the purpose of making recommendations whether a site, area, agency, or phenomena falls within the definition of "directional signs" set forth in 24VAC30-120-80:

Department of Conservation and Recreation

Department of Historic Resources

The Library of Virginia

The recommendations must be based upon criteria presently utilized or hereinafter adopted by one of these agencies.

After the recommendation is received the commissioner must employ the following standards in addition to those which appear elsewhere to ascertain whether a site, area, agency, or phenomena is eligible for directional signs.

1. That publicly or privately owned activities or attractions eligible for directional signing are limited to the following: natural phenomena; scenic attractions; historic, educational, cultural, scientific, and religious sites; and areas naturally suited for outdoor recreation.

2. Any of the above must be nationally or regionally known as determined by the commissioner.

3. Any of the above must be of outstanding interest to the traveling public as determined by the Commissioner of Highways.

The area, site, agency, or phenomena seeking to qualify for "directional signs" shall be the principal area, site, agency, or phenomena which would appear on proposed sign and not ancillary to the message which would appear on the sign.