75-15-122. Permits required -- identification tags -- preexisting structures -- fees. (1) (a) A sign authorized by 75-15-111(1)(a), (1)(d), and (1)(e) may not be constructed or maintained without a permit. Applications for permits must be made to the department on forms furnished by it. The department shall require reasonable information to be furnished, including a statement that the owner or occupant of the land has consented to the erection or maintenance of the sign on the land. A permit must be obtained for each sign, and the application for the permit must be accompanied by a nonrefundable, initial fee.

(b) Permits must be issued for 3 years, assigned a permit number, and renewed every 3 years after issuance upon payment of a fee without the filing of a new application. All fees received must be paid into the highway account in the state special revenue fund.

(c) The fees described in subsections (1)(a) and (1)(b) are to be determined by the square footage of the sign face and established, by rule, by the commission to cover the costs of administering and enforcing this section.

(2) The department shall issue with each new permit a permanent identification tag not larger than 36 square inches that must be affixed to the sign in a position readily visible from the highway.

(3) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, the department shall issue permits and identification tags upon application and payment of the requisite fee for a structure lawfully in existence on June 23, 1971, and the permits must be renewed for a period of time as is prescribed in this section unless the structure is removed for improper maintenance.

(4) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, the department shall issue permits and identification tags upon application and payment of the requisite fee for outdoor advertising lawfully in existence on June 23, 1971, and made nonconforming by virtue of 75-15-111(3), and the permits must be renewed for a period of time as is prescribed in this section unless the structure is removed for improper maintenance.