(1) The franchisee must notify the owner by certified mail a minimum of thirty days in advance of the removal of his or her business sign or tourist-oriented directional sign for any cause.

(2) Business signs or tourist-oriented directional signs may be removed for any of the following:

(a) Failure to pay fees.

(b) Violation of the provisions of 60-5-514 or 60-5-522, MCA.

(c) Failure to meet the minimum criteria to qualify for the specific service sign program or the tourist-oriented directional sign program.

(3) If a business is closed due to fire, accident, remodeling, or other emergencies for more than 7, but not more than 90 days, then the franchisee shall have the business sign or the tourist-oriented directional sign covered to prevent inconvenience to the traveling public. The business shall not lose its priority or be required to reapply prior to the normal expiration of its contract. Extensions of time beyond 90 days may be granted by the franchisee in such case where insurance claims or financial arrangements require additional time. However, an owner who, due to his or her own negligence, fails to open within the 90-day period may lose his or her right to occupy the specific information sign panel or tourist-oriented directional sign panel.

(4) Within 5 working days of closure of the business, the franchisee shall cover or remove the signs for businesses which are operated on a seasonal basis or shall prominently display the word "closed" across the business sign. Where all of the businesses on a specific information sign are closed, the entire sign shall be removed.