In order to qualify for a Limited Supplemental Guide sign (LSGS, aka "brown sign"), the attraction must meet several criteria. There must also be available space for an additional sign on the highway facility in advance of the interchange that motorists would take to get to the destination.
Cabinet policy allows for two supplemental guide signs per direction of travel per interchange, with up to two separate destinations per sign assembly, for a total of four supplemental destinations per direction, per interchange. This total is inclusive of both green and brown supplemental guide signs. If an interchange has already met the maximum number of supplemental guide signs, or roadway geometrics/topography prevent installation of additional signing, we would be unable to honor any additional signing requests.
If an attraction satisfies the minimum attendance requirement and is within the required distance from the interchange (see eligibility requirements below), and there is space available for a sign to be installed, an applicant may proceed with the application below.
LSGS APPLICATION FORM Email completed application to Our Office
Please note this application will require attachments, including:
- Letters of support for signing from the local governing agency(s) where the signs will be installed (i.e., County Judge/Executive, mayor, local tourism, etc.)
- Proof showing annual visitation numbers to the attraction (i.e., ticket sales verification, visitor logs, etc.)
- Photos of the attraction itself
Once the application is complete, it will be routed through the Transportation Cabinet/District Office for review and approval, then forwarded on to the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet for review and approval, and, if approved by both Cabinets, the application will then be sent to the Secretary of Transportation, who gives final approval for all Limited Supplemental Guide Sign requests. This process can take several months to complete. If approved, we will then be able to provide an estimate for the cost of fabrication and installation of the signage.
Please note that a typical LSGS installation, which includes a large panel sign in each direction of the freeway and directional signage on the ramps, can cost $15,000 - $40,000 (or more) depending on site specific conditions. If signing is only provided in one direction, this estimate will be roughly half the estimate quoted above.
Please ignore the $200 application fee as that is no longer required.
ELIGIBLE ATTRACTIONS:
- Cultural
- Historical
- Recreational
- Agricultural
- Educational
- Entertainment
QUALIFYING REQUIREMENTS:
- Application for Interstates & Parkways.
- Must be within 50 miles of interchange.
- Rural areas - The lesser of either 10,000 annual attendance or an annual visitation equal to or greater than the average annual daily traffic count of the fully controlled-access highway at the interchange from which the attraction is served.
- Urban areas - The lesser of either 75,000 annual attendance or an annual visitation equal to or greater than the average annual daily traffic count of the fully controlled-access highway at the interchange from which the attraction is served.
- Historical Sites - 5,000 annual attendance
- Must have physical space for the signs on the interstate or parkway.
- Must be of significant interest to the traveling public with at least one-third (1/3) of the income or one-third (1/3) of the visitors at the attraction derived during normal business season from visitors not residing within twenty (20) miles of the attraction.
- Must be open to the general public during regular and reasonable hours, and not by appointment or reservation only.
- Each activity shall comply with all applicable local, state, and federal statutes and regulations including those prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, or national origin.
- Each activity identified on a Limited Supplemental Guide sign shall provide assurance of its conformance with all applicable federal, state or local laws and regulations and have necessary and proper licenses.
- Shall be conducted in a building or area that complies with state and local building code requirements for safety.
- The activity shall not be conducted in a building principally used as a residence unless there is a convenient, separate, and well-marked entrance.
- The building or area shall be maintained in a manner consistent with standards generally accepted for that type of business or activity.
- Any attraction which operates on a seasonal basis shall make provisions with the Cabinet for the removal of the attraction's sign during the off-season. The attraction shall, in writing, notify the Cabinet at least thirty (30) days before the opening or closing occurs.
Please note: The Cabinet shall not be responsible for business lost due to signs or limited supplemental panels becoming temporarily out of service. The display of the attraction name on the sign structure shall not be considered an endorsement or recommendation by the Commonwealth of Kentucky on behalf of the attraction.
If you have any questions about the application process or the Cabinet's signing programs in general, please contact
Our Office.
Should you wish to pursue alternate signing options on the Interstate or parkway system, you may qualify for the blue Logo Signing Program. Information regarding the blue Logo Signing program, including pricing, can be found at the link near the bottom of this webpage.
