Since an outdoor sign move only involves one item of personal property and is not normally complex in nature, an outdoor sign may be pre-approved for a two-phase negotiated self-move into storage. This would include the first phase of the move into temporary storage and a second move from storage to a legal replacement site. Both phases of the move may be paid at the conclusion of the first phase of the move, if properly verified and documented. This allows the sign owner the ability to continue to search for a replacement site within the time limits set by Commercial Signs Regulatory Program permitting regulations (48 months) without the potential loss of relocation assistance benefits due to the Uniform Act requiring payment to be made within 18 months. No costs for modifications at the replacement site shall be eligible unless such modification would be reasonable, necessary and required of the existing sign at any replacement site.

The entire claim for documented searching expenses and storage, limited to 12 months at a third party site, may also be paid at the completion of the first phase of the move for the term approved by TxDOT.