WHEREAS, the Tourist-Oriented Directional Sign (TODS) program regulations for Arkansas allow signs only in rural areas, except for Scenic Byways; and
WHEREAS, the definition of “rural” in the TODS program regulations refers to those areas not in the corporate limits of a city or town, which is stricter than the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) definition of “rural” referring to areas outside the city limits of incorporated cities or towns with a population of 5,000 or more; and
WHEREAS, using the MUTCD definition of “rural” in the TODS program regulations would provide consistency and allow more businesses to participate in the TODS program.
NOW THEREFORE, the following amendments to the TODS regulations are hereby adopted.
1. Under Definitions, change the definition of “Rural” in its entirety to read, “Refers to those areas outside the city limits of incorporated cities or towns with a population of 5,000 or more people.”
2. Under General Requirements, change Part D in its entirety to read, “The activity or site shall be located in a rural area not within the corporate limits of a city or town with a population of 5,000 or more people, except for Scenic Byways.”
FURTHERMORE, the Director is hereby authorized to take all steps necessary to implement these amendments in accordance with the Arkansas Administrative Procedures Act.