Existing law authorizes the Department of Transportation to administer a program for the placement of tourist oriented directional signs for businesses, attractions, or facilities near state highways in nonurbanized areas. Existing law specifies various requirements for placement of these signs, including a requirement that the maximum distance from a highway intersection to an attraction or facility may not exceed 10 miles, except as provided.

This bill would exempt signs to facilities or attractions located in the County of Tehama that are directly related to an American Viticultural Area located in that county from this requirement. The bill would also express the intent of the Legislature to authorize the County of Tehama to place wayfinding signage on state highways in support of an American Viticultural Area located in the county.

This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the County of Tehama.

Existing law authorizes the Department of Transportation to administer a program for the placement of tourist oriented directional signs for businesses, attractions, or facilities near state highways in nonurbanized areas. Existing law specifies various requirements for placement of these signs, including a requirement that the maximum distance from a highway intersection to an attraction or facility may not exceed 10 miles, except as provided.

This bill would exempt signs to facilities or attractions located in the County of Tehama that are directly related to an American Viticultural Area located in that county from this requirement. The bill would also express the intent of the Legislature to authorize the County of Tehama to place wayfinding signage on state highways in support of an American Viticultural Area located in the county.

This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the County of Tehama.

Existing law authorizes the Department of Transportation to administer a program for the placement of tourist-oriented destination tourist oriented directional signs for businesses, attractions, or facilities near state highways in nonurbanized areas. Existing law specifies various requirements for placement of these signs, including a requirement that the maximum distance from a highway intersection to an attraction or facility may not exceed 10 miles, except as provided.

This bill would exempt signs on state highways to facilities or attractions located in the County of Tehama that are directly related to an American Viticultural Area located in that county from this requirement. The bill would also express the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that would authorize the County of Tehama to place wayfinding signage on state highways. highways in support of an American Viticultural Area located in the county.

This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the County of Tehama.

Existing law authorizes the Department of Transportation to administer a program for the placement of tourist-oriented destination signs for businesses, attractions, or facilities near state highways in nonurbanized areas. Existing law specifies various requirements for placement of these signs, including a requirement that the maximum distance from a highway intersection to an attraction or facility may not exceed 10 miles, except as provided.

This bill would exempt signs on state highways in the County of Tehama from this requirement. The bill would also express the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that would authorize the County of Tehama to place wayfinding signage on state highways.

This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the County of Tehama.

Date of Hearing: June 27, 2018

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SB 1259

Author:(Nielsen) – As Amended Ver:April 11, 2018

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This bill exempts an American Viticultural Area in Tehama County from the 10-mile distance restriction related to tourist-oriented directional signs on state highways.

FISCAL EFFECT:

Minor costs to the Department of Transportation, which will be fully funded by fees charged to the entities requesting the installation of signs.

COMMENTS:

1. Background. Tourist-oriented directional signs are highway signs in rural areas which help guide travelers to California’s tourist attractions not immediately visible from the highway. These signs refer to general types of businesses (such as wineries, gift shops, and restaurants) and do not refer to specific businesses by name. The signs are fabricated in conformance with Caltrans regulations by the entity wishing to display the sign and are installed by Caltrans. Under existing law, all costs for tourist-oriented directional signs are paid by the entity requesting the sign.
2. Purpose. According to the author, the Manton American Viticultural Area is slightly further than the allowable 10-mile range for the placement of a tourist-oriented directional sign. This bill will provide an exemption to state law to allow the placement of tourist-oriented directional signs for this particular viticultural area and the associated wineries and businesses.

Analysis Prepared by: Jessica Peters / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: June 11, 2018

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Jim Frazier, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SB 1259

Author:(Nielsen) – As Amended Ver:April 11, 2018

SENATE VOTE: 36-0

SUBJECT: Signage: tourist oriented directional signs

SUMMARY: Exempts an American Viticultural Area in Tehama County from the 10-mile distance restriction related to tourist oriented directional signs on state highways.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Assigns the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) the responsibility of operating and maintaining state highways, including the installation and maintenance of highway signs.
2. Creates the tourist oriented directional sign program, enabling Caltrans to erect signage directing “out-of-town” travelers to the state’s tourist attractions.
3. Restricts Caltrans from placing tourist oriented directional signs in a number of circumstances, including:
   1. On freeways, expressways, or congested highways;
   2. Within city limits or in areas with populations exceeding 50,000;
   3. If the business is adjacent to and visible from the highway; and,
   4. If the attraction is more than 10 miles from the intersection at which the sign is erected.
4. Federal law authorizes the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau to define and approve American Viticultural Areas in the U.S.

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8, negligible state costs.

COMMENTS: Tourist oriented directional signs are highway signs in rural areas which help guide travelers to California’s tourist attractions not immediately visible from the highway. These signs are generic, referring to general types of businesses (e.g. wineries, gift shops, and restaurants) and do not refer to specific businesses by name. The signs are fabricated in conformance with Caltrans regulations by the entity wishing to display the sign and are installed by Caltrans. The cost of installation and maintenance in the first year is relatively inexpensive at $400, with an ongoing maintenance cost of $30 per year. All costs are paid by the applicant. Tourist oriented directional signs are distinct from billboards, which are privately erected and may be promotional.

The limitations on the tourist oriented directional signs are intended to limit the clutter and distraction of unnecessary signage on state highways. In addition to state law, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices issued by the Federal Highway Administration governs the placement and look of the tourist oriented directional signs.

According to the author, the Manton American Viticultural Area, an up-and-coming Tehama County tourist destination, has businesses just outside of the 10-mile statutory limit for the state's tourist oriented directional signs program. Despite a willingness by interested parties, including both local and state government, to find a path forward, statute ties their hands. By exempting American Viticultural Areas within Tehama County from the statutory limit, the county can discuss the need for tourist signage in good faith with Caltrans without the concerns about mile limits.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

Andrew Station LLC

Appleland

Dobson Vineyards

Indian Peak Vineyards

J&K Organics

Manton Apple Festival

Manton Museum

Manton Realty

Manton Valley Wine Growers Association

North Valley Services

Red Bluff-Tehama County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau

Shasta Daisy Vineyards

Tehama Country Visitor Center

Tehama County Board of Supervisors

Tehama County Department of Agriculture

Wine Institute

4 private citizens

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Eric Thronson / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093

 CONSENT  

Bill No: SB 1259

Author:

:

Vote:

SENATE TRANS. & HOUSING COMMITTEE: 13-0, 4/10/18

AYES: Beall, Cannella, Allen, Dodd, Gaines, Galgiani, McGuire, Morrell, Roth, Skinner, Vidak, Wieckowski, Wiener

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8

SUBJECT: Signage: tourist oriented directional signs

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

This bill exempts the County of Tehama from the requirement that Tourist-Oriented Directional Signs (TODS) be used for attractions that are not farther than 10 miles from the nearest highway intersection when directing drivers to facilities directly associated with American Viticultural Areas (AVAs).

ANALYSIS: Existing law establishes a program for TODS to help guide tourists towards tourist attractions. TODS must be generic and non-promotional. TODS locations are restricted; they may only be placed in rural areas on non-congested highways and the attraction may not be more than 10 miles from the nearest highway intersection.

This bill exempts the County of Tehama from the requirement that TODS be used for attractions that are not farther than 10 miles from the nearest highway intersection when directing drivers to facilities directly associated with AVAs.

Comments

1. Author’s statement. According to the author, “State law doesn’t allow rural communities to place tourist-oriented destination signs (TODS) along state highways if those destinations are more than 10 miles from the highway. By exempting Tehama County from that limit, the county can discuss the need for tourist signage in good faith with Caltrans [Department of Transportation] without the concerns about mile limits.”
2. Generic. TODS are highway signs in rural areas which help guide travelers to California’s tourist attractions. These signs are generic, referring to general types of businesses (e.g. wineries); promotional advertising is not permitted. The signs are fabricated in conformance with Caltrans regulations by the entity wishing to display the sign and installed by Caltrans. The cost of installation and maintenance in the first year is relatively inexpensive at $400, with an ongoing maintenance cost of $30/year. All costs are paid by the applicant. TODS are distinct from billboards, which are privately erected and may be promotional. Examples of TODS are below:

The limitations on the TODS are intended to limit the clutter and distraction of unnecessary signage on state highways. In addition to state law, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices issued by the Federal Highway Administration governs the placement and look of the TODS.

1. Narrow the exemption. Supporters provide a unique reason for an exemption by their focus on the vineyards and wineries of Manton, which were recently recognized as an AVA^[1]. (This attraction already has a TODS on one state highway.)
2. Federal vonflict? California’s statutory 10 mile distance limitation is double the federal guideline of five miles. This has apparently not caused any issues in the 20 years that the TODS program has been in place. Caltrans is checking whether an exemption from the 10 mile limitation would be a problem with the Federal Highway Administration.
3. Still useful? The TODS program was established in 1994, before the near-ubiquity of cellphones and other GPS mapping devices. TODS may well increasingly become a quaint vestige of a less connected time. However, TODS should continue to be useful in areas such as eastern Tehama County where slow wireless data service may be unable to support mapping applications.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:

SUPPORT: (Verified 4/23/18)

Andrew Station LLC

AppleLand

County of Tehama Board of Supervisors

Dobson Vineyards

Indian Peak Vineyards LLC

Manton Valley Wine Growers Association

Red Bluff-Tehama County Chamber of Commerce

Shasta Daisy Vineyard

Tehama Country Visitor Center

Tehama County Farm Bureau

Four individuals

OPPOSITION: (Verified 4/23/18)

None received

Prepared by:

4/25/18 13:56:54

**** END ****

1. An AVA is a federally-designated defined grape growing region with distinguishing characteristics. The use of an AVA name on a label allows vintners and consumers to attribute a given quality, reputation, or other characteristic of a wine made from grapes grown in a certain area to its geographical origin. AVAs allows vintners to describe more accurately the origin of their wines to consumers, and, in turn, helps consumers to geographically identify wines that they may purchase. ↑

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING

Senator Jim Beall, Chair

2017 - 2018 Regular

Bill No: Hearing Date: 4/10/2018

SUBJECT:

DIGEST: This bill exempts the County of Tehama from the requirement that Tourist-Oriented Directional Signs (TODS) be used for attractions that are not farther than 10 miles from the nearest highway intersection.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law establishes a program for TODS to help guide tourists towards tourist attractions. TODS must be generic and non-promotional. TODS locations are restricted; they may only be placed in rural areas on non-congested highways and the attraction may not be more than 10 miles from the nearest highway intersection.

This bill exempts the County of Tehama from the requirement that Tourist-Oriented Directional Signs (TODS) be used for attractions that are not farther than 10 miles from the nearest highway intersection.

COMMENTS

1. Author’s Statement. State law doesn’t allow rural communities to place tourist-oriented destination signs (TODS) along state highways if those destinations are more than 10 miles from the highway. By exempting Tehama County from that limit, the county can discuss the need for tourist signage in good faith with Caltrans without the concerns about mile limits.
2. Generic. TODS are highway signs in rural areas which help guide travelers to California’s tourist attractions. These signs are generic, referring to general types of businesses (e.g. wineries); promotional advertising is not permitted. The signs are fabricated in conformance with Caltrans regulations by the entity wishing to display the sign and installed by Caltrans. The cost of installation and maintenance in the first year is relatively inexpensive at $400, with an ongoing maintenance cost of $30/year. All costs are paid by the applicant. TODS are distinct from billboards, which are privately erected and may be promotional. Examples of TODS are below:

The limitations on the TODS are intended to limit the clutter and distraction of unnecessary signage on state highways. In addition to state law, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices issued by the Federal Highway Administration governs the placement and look of the TODS.

1. Narrowing the Exemption. It is difficult to justify a blanket exemption for Tehama County. But the bill supporters provide a unique reason for an exemption by their focus on the vineyards and wineries of Manton, which were recently recognized as an American Viticultural Area (AVA)^[1]. (This attraction already has a TODS on one state highway.) Given California’s longstanding support for vineyards and wineries, the author and committee may wish to consider narrowing the bill to provide an exemption for AVAs in Tehama County.
2. Federal Conflict? California’s statutory 10 mile distance limitation is double the federal guideline of 5 miles. This has apparently not caused any issues in the 20 years that the TODS program has been in place. Caltrans is checking whether an exemption from the 10 mile limitation would be a problem with the Federal Highway Administration.
3. Still Useful? The TODS program was established in 1994, before the near-ubiquity of cellphones and other GPS mapping devices. TODS may well increasingly become a quaint vestige of a less connected time. However, TODS should continue to be useful in areas such as eastern Tehama County where slow wireless data service may be unable to support mapping applications.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

POSITIONS: (Communicated to the committee before noon on Wednesday,

April 4, 2018.)

SUPPORT:

Andrew Station LLC

AppleLand

County of Tehama Board of Supervisors

Dobson Vineyards

Indian Peak Vineyards LLC

Manton Valley Wine Growers Association

Red Bluff-Tehama County Chamber of Commerce

Shasta Daisy Vineyard

Tehama County Farm Bureau

Tehama Country Visitor Center

4 individuals

OPPOSITION:

None received.

-- END --

1. An AVA is a federally-designated defined grape growing region with distinguishing characteristics. The use of an AVA name on a label allows vintners and consumers to attribute a given quality, reputation, or other characteristic of a wine made from grapes grown in a certain area to its geographical origin. AVAs allows vintners to describe more accurately the origin of their wines to consumers, and, in turn, helps consumers to geographically identify wines that they may purchase. ↑