(1) Just compensation shall be paid from the state trunk line fund upon the removal by or in behalf of the department of any sign or sign structure lawfully in existence on March 31, 1972 but which does not comply with the requirements of sections 13(1)(d), 15, 16, and 17 and any sign or sign structure lawfully erected after March 31, 1972 but which thereafter becomes unlawful because of a change in the designation of the highway or in the zoning of the area in which it is located.

    (2) Each removal constitutes a taking and appropriation by the state of the following:

    (a) From the owner of the sign or sign structure, all right, title and interest in and to the sign or sign structure, and the owner's leasehold related thereto.

    (b) From the owner of the real property on which the sign or sign structure is located immediately prior to its removal, the right to erect and maintain signs on that property, other than those described in section 13(1)(a), (b), and (c).

    (3) The compensation to be paid pursuant to this section shall be paid to the persons entitled to it upon presentation to the department of such information as the department may reasonably require.

    (4) Unless a sign is exempt under section 10, its owner shall secure and shall keep in force a permit under sections 6 and 7. Compliance with this subsection is a condition for eligibility for compensation. Compensation shall not be paid for any sign, including a sign described in subsection (1), which is removed by the department because it is abandoned.