(1) Sign structures that have no face or have faces without 100% advertising copy shall be considered blank. Blank is defined as all faces not leased, rented or otherwise occupied by an advertising or public service message. The sign owner is not prohibited from noticing the sign for rent or lease, however, for the purposes of this rule, the sign shall be considered blank while being noticed for rent or lease.

(2) Sign structures are considered abandoned if the sign structure:

(a) has not been erected;

(b) has been removed; and

(c) the sign owner fails to pay the appropriate sign fees.

(3) The department may determine a sign is in disrepair if the structure is unsafe or if the sign face is unreadable or not visible to the traveling public.

(4) When a sign has been blank, abandoned, or in disrepair for a period of six continuous months, the department shall notify the sign owner of the violation and require remedial action within 45 days. If such action is not taken, the permit will be canceled and action for the removal of the sign will be taken as provided in 75-15-131 , MCA.