§ 1122 — Removal of nonconforming advertising; fair compensation

(a) Just compensation shall be paid upon the removal of the following outdoor advertising signs, displays and devices:

(1) Those lawfully in existence on July 14, 1969;

(2) Those lawfully on any highway made a part of the interstate or federal-aid primary system on or after July 14, 1969; and

(3) Those lawfully erected on or after July 14, 1969.

(b) The Department is authorized to acquire the necessary right in and to property and is directed to pay compensation therefor in the same manner as with other property acquired for state highway purposes with respect to the foregoing outdoor advertising signs, displays and devices. The compensation to be paid shall be for the following:

(1) The taking from the owner of such sign, display or device of all right, title, leasehold and interest in such sign, display and device; and

(2) The taking from the owner of the real property on which such sign, display or device is located, of the right to erect and maintain such signs, displays or devices thereon. Notwithstanding these provisions, no rights in and to property shall be acquired with respect to any outdoor advertising sign, display or device except to the extent that federal funds authorized to be appropriated pursuant to the federal Highway Beautification Act of 1965, as amended, to reimburse the State for 75% of the cost thereof, are in fact appropriated and allocated to the State for that purpose.

Legislative History

17 Del. C. 1953, § 1122; 57 Del. Laws, c. 276.