Sec. 1. 23 MRSA §1914, sub-§11-A, as enacted by PL 2001, c. 268, §3, is amended to read:

11-A. Changeable signs. Notwithstanding subsection 6, paragraphs C and E, changeable signs are not prohibited as long as the sign complies with all the terms of this subsection. The Department of Transportation shall administer the provisions of this subsection unless the municipality in which the sign is located and the Department of Transportation have agreed in writing that the municipality shall oversee that particular sign has adopted an ordinance pursuant to paragraph I.

A. As used in this subsection, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

(1) "Changeable sign" means an on-premise sign created, designed, manufactured or modified in such a way that its message may be electronically, digitally or mechanically altered by the complete substitution or replacement of one display by another on each side.

(2) "Display" means that portion of the surface area of a changeable sign that is, or is designed to be or is capable of being periodically altered for the purpose of conveying a message.

(3) "Lot of record" means a lot for which the deed was legally recorded, or which was created by a plan legally recorded, in the registry of deeds for the county where the lot is located. Contiguous lots of record in the same ownership are considered one lot.

(4) "Message" means a communication conveyed by means of a visual display of text.

(5) "Sign assembly" means the display, border, trim and all supporting apparatus, including posts, columns, pedestals and foundation.

(6) "Time and temperature sign" means a changeable sign that electronically or mechanically displays the time and temperature by the complete substitution or replacement of a display showing the time with a display showing the temperature.

B. The display on each side of a changeable sign:

(1) May be changed no more than once every 20 minutes;