State highways: exit information signs.
The enactment of AB 1633 is expected to have a positive impact on rural communities by enhancing access to vital services for travelers and promoting businesses that provide new technologies, such as electric vehicle charging. The bill also retains provisions restricting sign placements in urban areas to maintain visual clarity and avoid visual clutter. An important aspect of the law is its provision for equal access to signage for all businesses, ensuring a fair competition landscape among service providers.
Assembly Bill 1633, also known as the amendment to Section 101.7 of the Streets and Highways Code, aims to facilitate the placement of information signs for specific roadside businesses near freeway exits in rural areas of California. The bill specifically authorizes the Department of Transportation to allow signage for businesses offering electric vehicle charging facilities, in addition to existing businesses that provide fuel, food, lodging, camping services, and approved pharmacy services. By updating the criteria for signage eligibility, the bill aims to help improve the visibility of essential services in rural areas, particularly as electric vehicles become more common.
The sentiment around AB 1633 appears to be generally supportive, given the ongoing transition towards electric vehicles and the importance of accommodating their infrastructure. Stakeholders, including environmental groups and business advocates, laud the initiative as progressive and beneficial for boosting rural economies. However, the legislation does draw criticism from some who argue that it might lead to a proliferation of signs that could disrupt the landscape or overwhelm potential tourists with information overload.
Key points of contention surrounding AB 1633 include concerns about the aesthetic impact of additional signage on highway landscapes, especially in areas traditionally free of such commercialization. While proponents emphasize the importance of accessibility to electric vehicle infrastructure, detractors worry that the addition of an extensive sign system might diminish the natural beauty that rural travelers seek. Additionally, the bill's sunset provision set for January 1, 2021, regarding specific city areas like Lincoln and Truckee, highlights ongoing debates about urban versus rural business needs and rights.