Section 541.20  Definitions

The following words or phrases when used in this Part shall have the meanings ascribed to them below.

            "Business" − an open establishment available to the general public that is oriented toward tourism and the major portion of whose income or visitors are derived during the normal business season from motorists not residing within 25 air miles of the business.

            "Business Sign" − a rectangular sign consisting of a business name, directional information, and mileage.

            "Calendar Year" − a year beginning January 1 and ending the following December 31.

            "Department" − the Illinois Department of Transportation, with central offices at 2300 South Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, Illinois 62764.

            "Intersecting Road" − a public road intersecting a marked State highway.

            "Marked State Highway" − a State-maintained highway carrying a State or US route number.

            "Non-Freeway" − a divided or undivided marked State highway without full control of access and without grade separations at crossroads.

            "Qualifying Business" − a business meeting the criteria for signing contained in Section 541.40(f).

            "Rural Area" − an area outside of an urban area.

            "Tourist Oriented Directional Sign" or "TODS" − a rectangular sign installed on a State highway displaying the words "TOURIST ACTIVITIES" with a maximum of four business signs mounted underneath.

            "Trailblazer Sign" − a business sign displayed, together with an arrow panel, off of a marked State highway to advise motorists where to turn on the intersecting road.

            "Urban Area" − An urban area includes:  one or more contiguous incorporated communities listed by the Federal Census Bureau as encompassing a total population of 5,000 or more within a defined area, including any unincorporated areas within such boundaries but excluding rural portions of "extended" communities; and Federal Census Bureau designated places of 5,000 or more population.

(Source:  Amended at 34 Ill. Reg. 3025, effective February 19, 2010)