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Billboard survey permits

Billboard survey permits

A billboard survey permit authorizes survey work only. No additional activities, including vegetation management, are allowed under this permit.

Applicants must submit their permit request online through CPS and may choose one of the following options:
  1. Individual Billboard Survey Permit – submitted for each specific viewing zone where vegetation management is planned.
  2. Annual Billboard Survey Permit – covers an entire area containing multiple viewing zones.
  3. Combination of both permit types if needed.

Requirements for an individual billboard survey permit

Applications for an individual permit must include:

  • A copy of the relevant billboard permit or location approval
  • A copy of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist credential for the arborist conducting the survey
  • Proof of landowner permission if vegetation management will occur on property not owned by MDOT
  • A site plan consisting of a full‑color aerial map showing the highway and work area
    • Noted on the site plan should be:
      • Latitude and longitude of the proposed or existing billboard
      • Billboard permit number (if applicable)
      • Billboard viewing zone
      • Highway name
      • Speed limit
      • Pavement edge
      • Right of way type and boundary
      • Accurate compass rose or north arrow

Requirements for an annual billboard survey permit

Applications for an Annual Permit do not require:

  • A copy of billboard permit(s)
  • Arborist certification
  • Proof of landowner permission

These items will instead be required later as part of the Advance Notice process.