FAQs - Destination Signs on Primary Highways other than freeway

• What destinations can be shown on Destination Signs?

  The types of destinations that qualify for signs are identified in the Department's signing policies. Following are the types of destinations that can be shown on the Destination Signs:
  
  - Communities; - Recreational areas; - Publicly maintained park; - Historic sites or facilities; - Tourist attractions; - Colleges and universities; - Public, non-profit cultural facilities; - Airports, bus terminals, and ground transportation centers; - National Guard units; - Organized off-highway camps

• What criteria must be met to be eligible for Destination Signs?

  The criteria depends on the type of destination, the criteria as established in the Iowa DOT policies is listed below.
  
  A destination shown on a Destination Sign shall be reached by following the intersecting road and not be located beyond the next primary highway.
  
  The communities shown on the Destination Signs depend on the type of highway being intersected. At the intersection of two primary interstate routes, the next county seat is shown. If a community of 1000 population or more is closer than the county seat, it is shown on the sign. If the intersecting road is a primary intrastate route, then the population criteria is reduced to 300.
  
  Recreational areas and parks must be open to the public, have a public restroom, approved drinking water supply, and adequate parking. Additional criteria must be met for signing of county conservation areas as required by Iowa Administrative Rule 761-131.8(321)--this link takes you to Iowa Administrative Rule 761-131. Scroll down the page until you find 131.8(321), "Erection of signs for county conservation parks."
  
  Historic sites or facilities must meet criteria established by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, Historic Division. The significant activity at the property is to interpret events, persons, or architecture important in history, the connections of which have been verified through background research and documentation. Interpretation to the public is presented on-site through exhibits, display techniques, or by attendant personnel. The property appears much as it did during the time of its historical importance. The site is open to the public frequently, at regularly scheduled and posted times. Commercial activity is a supplement to, rather than the purpose of, the site. The site is in an acceptable condition of maintenance and repair. The site should also provide sufficient parking to accommodate the expected number of visitors and visitor traffic should justify the cost of sign installation. The site should be easily accessible (ADA accessible) to the public with public restrooms. Admission should be free or nominal.
  
  Colleges and universities that are accredited, have an enrollment of 500 or more students (at that location).
  
  Public non-profit cultural facilities such as auditoriums, coliseums, stadiums, arenas, fairgrounds, etc. that generate significant traffic volumes may be signed. The facility shall have regularly scheduled events 10 months per year.
  
  Airports with commercial or charter service may be signed.
  
  Medical facilities of a regional nature which are operated by state or federal organizations and which are used or visited by a substantial number of individuals residing more than 50 miles from the facility.
  
  National Guard units that are located on the intersecting road may be signed.
  
  The organized off-highway camps must be permanent and operated by recognized and established civic, religious, and nonprofit charitable organizations. The organization is responsible for the cost to purchase, install and maintain the signs.

• How close does the destination have to be to the intersection?

  The destination must be one reached by following either the secondary road or the primary highway and cannot be located beyond the next primary highway.

• Is there a limit to the number of destinations that can be signed?

  Yes. The standards included in the MUTCD limit the principal legend to three lines. The legend on the signs must be kept to a minimum to be legible at a glance during the few moments that a driver can turn his eyes from the road. The number of Destination Signs located at the intersection is limited by the amount of space available for these signs. The Destination Signs must be located along with all the other signing required at the intersection.

• Why are some of the Destination Signs green and others brown?

  The color of the sign is based on the type of destination listed on the sign. Brown is used for cultural and recreational destinations. Green is used for all other destinations. Blue is used for information signs related to motorist services.

• How do I request a Destination Sign?

  Please send a written request to the appropriate Iowa DOT District Office. Include in your request a description of the sign message you are requesting, information on the destination, and the location where you would like the sign installed.