24-17-01. Declaration of policy

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.