R926-15-4. Jurisdiction Over State Scenic Backways and Limitations of Authority

(1) The Utah State Scenic Byways Committee has authority to designate and de-designate scenic backways.

(a) The network of scenic backways is already extensive and the committee intends to limit the number of backways in order to maintain the quality and integrity of the scenic backway system. For this reason, the likelihood of new designations is low, but proposals for new backway routes will be considered.

(b) Backway routes that are improved after designation to the point of meeting the criteria required of state scenic byways may be presented to the committee for consideration of a re-designation to scenic byway status.

(2) Scenic backways do not qualify for the National Scenic Byways Program nor are any of them part of the National Highway System. They are not subject to any federal regulations pertaining to designated scenic byways, including outdoor advertising restrictions, and they are not eligible for federal byway grants.

(3) The authority and responsibility for maintaining the intrinsic qualities for which each scenic backway was designated, including the regulation of outdoor advertising, rests with the cities, towns, counties and resource agencies through which the route passes.

(a) Preserving the intrinsic qualities of and quality of life along each backway corridor, as determined locally, is dependant on local zoning and signing ordinances.

(b) Except for routes on state highways, the Utah Department of Transportation holds no oversight authority on backway routes.

(4) Installation and maintenance of scenic backway wayfinding signs is a local responsibility.

(a) The design, size, and installation details of the signs are maintained by the Utah Office of Tourism, in consultation with the Utah Department of Transportation, for continuity across the state and to ensure conformity to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Controls.

(b) Historically, the UDOT Traffic and Safety Division has allowed local agencies and local committees to purchase scenic backway signs from its sign shops and through its outside vendors under its sign contracts, to help provide statewide continuity and to help reduce taxpayer costs through shared volume buying.