Note: For billboard structure permits see the Highway Advertising (Billboard) Permits page.  

Applying for a permit is a three-step process:

1. Billboard permit holders must obtain a billboard vegetation survey permit for each billboard location.
2. A survey must be conducted for each sign.
3. Billboard permit holders must apply for a billboard vegetation removal/trimming permit. 

Survey Applications
Permit applicants shall submit an Individual Survey Permit application or Annual Survey Permit application for every structure using the Construction Permit System (CPS) through Michigan Business One Stop  (MBOS). This permit shall only cover the survey work, no additional work within the ROW shall be allowed under this permit. The following should be attached to the permit application:

• Electronic Certificate of Insurance
• Certification from the landowner, if the land where the cutting is to take place is not owned by MDOT

Conducting the Survey
After receiving a permit (Individual or Annual), an Advance Notice and plan to access the site shall be submitted, at least 5 days prior to work beginning, using the Construction Permit System (CPS) through Michigan Business One Stop (MBOS).

During survey related work, the permit applicant shall perform the following tasks: 

• Mark the shoulder at the starting and ending locations of the vegetation removal area, and at the 5 second point if different.  Do not place markings over pavement markings.  These marks shall be annotated with the letters "VRA", and shall not exceed 2 square feet in size.  
• Flag trees and individual shrubs proposed for removal with red plastic survey tape, and trees and individual shrubs proposed for trimming with blue plastic survey tape.  Each flagged tree shall have its corresponding number from the tree list clearly written on the flagging.  Mark shrub masses proposed for removal conspicuously with red plastic survey tape, and shrub masses proposed for trimming conspicuously with blue plastic survey tape.
• Digital color photographs of the billboard face shall be taken as close to the traveled roadway as practicable.  A photograph shall be taken at the farthest point away from the billboard face (at the beginning of the vegetation clearing area) and a photograph shall be taken every 100 feet as one proceeds towards the billboard, including a photograph taken perpendicular to the billboard face.  The photograph size shall not exceed 300 KB.  Photos shall be taken after the proposed removal and trimming is marked.  
• A list of all trees greater than one and three quarters (1¾) inches in diameter proposed for trimming or removal.  The listing shall be by species and diameter, as measured by industry standards.  Industry standards are defined as follows: Trees less than six (6) inches in diameter are measured at caliper, which is two inches above ground.  Trees greater than six (6) inches in diameter are measured at "diameter at breast height" (d.b.h.), which is 4.5 feet above ground.   Trees 10 inches or less must be measured to the nearest .5 inches.  Trees greater than 10 inches are measured to the nearest 1 inch.
• A list of individual shrubs and shrub masses proposed for removal or trimming.   The listing shall be by species, height, and area by square footage.  This list shall itemize each flagged tree (individual or clump) with the numbers corresponding to the numbers on the proportional plan view (i.e., 1)  6" elm clump; 2)  6" sugar maple; 3)  3" black locust).  As noted above, each tree will have its number clearly written on the flagging.
• A photo of the billboard with the MDOT five digit board identification number clearly visible.
• The Billboard number shall be listed on each sheet submitted as part of the plans (proportional plans view, pictures, list, etc.)
• A proportional plan view of the site shall be created.  The plan view shall include the following:
  • A representation of all trees and shrubs flagged and identified on the removal/trimming lists  
  • The continuous, clear and unobstructed view of 5 second shall be marked on the plans, and the limits of vegetation removal/trimming if different 
  • VRA pavement marks (please see the attached sample sketch showing how to mark the vegetation removal area (VRA))
  • Roadway edge of pavement
  • Roadway name 
  • Right-of-Way boundary and type of ROW
  • Billboard location
  • Billboard Permit Number
  • Survey photograph locations with a north arrow
  • The speed limit of the roadway
  • How the site will be accessed
  • Location of the Billboard in regards to either the closest mile marker or crossroad 

     Note:  MDOT may require the applicant to come back and remark the site.

Vegetation Removal Applications
After completing the survey, the permit applicant may apply for a permit to remove or trim vegetation.  A vegetation removal/trimming permit is required for each viewing side. An Individual Permit Application shall be submitted electronically in the Construction Permit System (CPS) though Michigan Business One Stop (MBOS) with the following:

• Digital Color Photographs
• Proportional plan view  
• Removal/trimming lists of all trees and shrubs flagged and identified
• Provide the firm and names of the individuals who have conducted the survey for this permit 

After a permit is issued, an Advance Notice shall be submitted at least 5 days prior to beginning field operations within the State highway Right-of-Way and the approved Advance Notice received before proceeding with permitted work.  The permit expires 90 calendar days from date of approval, unless otherwise indicated. All approved vegetation removal and vegetation mitigation operations shall be performed under the direct supervision of an ISA certified arborist.  

Upon completion of vegetation removal, a Completion Notice shall be submitted within seven (7) calendar days, so the final inspection may be made.

Billboard Vegetation Removal Application Decision
After application review a decision will be made and the permit applicant notified.  The following are possible decisions and the additional information needed for each decision:  

• Approved permit application:
  • A $300.00 permit fee, and any additional review or inspection fees, as determined necessary by MDOT
  • Value of Vegetation 
  • $50,000 electronic Blanket Performance Bond or $5,000 electronic Individual Performance Bond
  • Certificate of Insurance, submitted electronically
  • Upon receipt of the decision letter, the permit applicant has 30 calendar days to provide the requested information. 
• Approved with modifications to the permit application:
  • A $300.00 permit fee, and any additional review or inspection fees, as determined necessary by MDOT
  • Value of Vegetation
  • $50,000 electronic Blanket Performance Bond or $5,000 (this amount may vary depending on the site location) electronic Individual Performance Bond
  • Certificate of Insurance, submitted electronically
  • Revised plans showing the limitation/modification
  • Upon receipt of the decision letter, the permit applicant has 30 calendar days to provide the requested information and/or appeal the decision.   
• Denial of the permit application:
  • Upon receipt of the decision letter, the permit applicant has 30 calendar days to appeal the decision.    

Upon receiving the requested information, the individual permit for vegetation removal will be issued.  If the requested information is not provided within the 30 calendar days, the following will occur:

a.   After 30 calendar days (less than 90 calendar days): the applicant shall be required to pay an additional $150.00 to continue processing.   

b.   After 90 calendar days: the file shall be closed.   

Mitigation
If mitigation is required a letter indicating what needs to be mitigated and the reasoning for the mitigation will be sent to the permit applicant.  The reasoning for mitigation could be one or more of the following:     

• The vegetation management would have an adverse impact on safety.
• The vegetation management would have an adverse impact on operations of the state trunkline highway.
• The vegetation management conflicts with federal or state law, rules, or statutory requirements. 
• The request does not have the approval of the owner of the property.
• The vegetation to be managed was planted or permitted to be planted by MDOT for a specific purpose.
• Vegetation would be managed for a newly constructed billboard or vegetation existed that obscured the billboard  or would have obscured the billboard before it was constructed.
• The management would occur on a scenic or heritage route that was designated on or before the effective date of the amendatory act that added this section.
• The application is for a sign that has been found, after a hearing in accordance with section 19, not to be in compliance with this act.
• Other special or unique circumstances or conditions exist, including, but not limited to, adverse impact on the environment, natural features, or adjacent property owners. 

The permit applicant is responsible for the development of mitigation plans.  These plans need to be developed by a qualified specialist (an individual who meets recognized industry standard, i.e. landscaping architect for landscaping, a soils engineer for soil erosion issues, etc.).  The plans shall fully address the issues/concerns for the particular mitigation required.  The proposed mitigation must meet or exceed the function of the plant material, which is proposed to be removed.   

The permit applicant has 30 calendar days from the date of notification (the date MDOT's email letter is sent), to provide the mitigation plans. The permit applicant can request an extension(s) of 30 calendar days by written request.  If an extension is not requested or a mitigation plan is not provided within 30 calendar days, the permit applicant shall be required to pay an additional $150.00 to continue processing. 

If a response is not received within 90 calendar days, the permit application will be closed.  Upon receipt of the mitigation plans, MDOT will conduct a review to determine if the proposed plan is acceptable. 

Denial and Appeal
Unacceptable proposals will be returned to the Applicant with a denial letter.  Upon receipt of the denied application, the permit applicant has 30 calendar days to appeal the decision.  

Permit applicants may appeal a denial, limitation, or mitigation issues.  A written request for review & reconsideration must be filed within 30 calendar days of MDOT's decision with the Transportation Service Center (TSC).  The written notice of the appeal shall state the specific reasons for the appeal, the rationale behind the appeal, and the specific remedy sought.

Billboard Vegetation Removal Appeal Process 

MDOT permits these types of facilities or operations in a manner which does not significantly compromise the integrity of State highway Right-of-Way systems, while simultaneously providing assurance to the general traveling public for the safest transportation environment possible.

Questions about the new application process?
Contact your local Transportation Service Center (TSC).