SB 504

This bill creates an exception to the requirement that a sign owner pay

compensation to the Department of Transportation (DOT) for the removal of certain

trees that obstruct the view of the sign.

Under current law, DOT administers a permit system for the maintenance and

removal by sign owners of vegetation obstructing the view of signs along state trunk

highways. With limited exceptions, DOT issues permits to sign owners for the

trimming or removal of vegetation in the highway right-of-way if, for a distance of

500 continuous feet within the 1,000-foot distance motorists travel immediately

before reaching the sign, the vegetation obstructs the view of any portion of the face

of the sign. A permit authorizes the sign owner, or a third-party contractor employed

by the sign owner, to trim or remove obstructing vegetation to the extent necessary

to eliminate the obstruction and restore an unobstructed view of the sign for a

distance of 500 continuous feet along the highway. A permittee must compensate

DOT $200, adjusted annually for inflation, for each tree removed that has a diameter

of two inches or more.

Under this bill, no compensation is required for the removal of a tree

obstructing the view of a sign if the sign advertises activities conducted on the

property on which it is located.