Minnesota Statutes Transportation (Ch. 160-174A) § 173.01. Declaration of policy

It is hereby found and declared that in the interest of and to promote the general welfare of the people and to conserve the natural beauty of areas adjacent to certain highways, it is necessary to reasonably and effectively regulate and control the erection or maintenance of advertising devices on land adjacent to such highways. It is further declared that inasmuch as outdoor advertising is an integral part of the business and marketing function, an established segment of the national economy, and a legitimate commercial use of property adjacent to roads and highways, it should be allowed to operate where other business and commercial activities are conducted, and the regulation of outdoor advertising should occur by the application of reasonable regulatory standards consistent with customary use of outdoor advertising and zoning principles in this state which will properly and adequately carry out each and all of the purposes of Laws 1971, chapter 883; that the regulatory standards set forth in Laws 1971, chapter 883, are consistent with customary use in this state. It is the intention hereby to comply with the policies declared by Congress in United States Code, title 23, “Highways.”