§ 24-17-01 — Declaration of policy

It is hereby declared to be in the public interest reasonably to regulate advertising devices
along the highways hereinafter specified while, at the same time, recognizing that both the
convenience of travel and the interests of the economy as a whole require a reasonable
freedom to advertise. It is the intention of the legislative assembly in this chapter to provide a
statutory basis for the reasonable regulation, but not the prohibition, of outdoor advertising
through zoning principles and standards consistent with the public policy relating to the areas
adjacent to the state highway system pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 131 and 23 U.S.C. 319 and rules
and regulations promulgated thereunder. It is further declared to be in the public interest to
review all rights now acquired by the state of North Dakota for the use and benefit of the
department of transportation pertaining to the right and control over the erection, location, or
maintenance of billboards, signs, or any form of advertising adjacent to the state highway
system, to determine and designate such areas adjacent to the state highway system as are
necessary for the restoration, preservation, and enhancement of scenic beauty and to vacate to
the owner such property rights acquired in areas not so determined and designated.