BVM permits

A separate BVM Permit is required for each viewing zone where vegetation management will occur. Applicants may apply for a BVM Permit only after the required viewing zone survey has been completed. All BVM Permit applications must be submitted online through CPS.

A BVM Permit application must include:

• A copy of the relevant billboard permit, if applicable
• The latitude and longitude coordinates of the proposed or existing billboard
• The date of the Completion Notice for the Billboard Survey (the BVM Permit application must be submitted within one year of this notice)
• If applying for regrowth management, a copy of the previous BVM Permit and its corresponding Final Inspection Report
• If vegetation management will occur within an easement or dedicated right of way, a notarized letter from the landowner granting permission
• The list of all trees and shrubs flagged for removal or trimming during the viewing zone survey
• Digital, high‑resolution, color photographs of the billboard and VRA taken during the viewing zone survey
• The full‑color, photographic, aerial map of the highway and viewing zone created during the viewing zone survey
• The names of the company and individuals who conducted the viewing zone survey
• The name of the entity that will perform the vegetation management
• A list of proposed alternatives and mitigation the applicant is willing to perform should MDOT determine either to be necessary or a statement that the applicant is not proposing alternatives and/or mitigation (refer to MCL 252.311a(3), (8))
  • All proposed alternatives and mitigation must be developed by qualified specialists, such as landscape architects or soil erosion professionals, and must meet or exceed the function of the plant material to be removed
• A list of all anticipated future vegetation management necessary to maintain five (5) seconds of billboard visibility based on the posted speed limit (refer to MCL 252.311a(3)).