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Conducting the survey
An applicant must conduct a separate survey for each viewing zone where vegetation management will take place. Before starting any survey, the applicant must submit an Advance Notice through CPS at least five (5) days before the work begins and must receive MDOT approval. Because each viewing zone requires its own survey, a separate Advance Notice and approval is required for every viewing zone. As a result, an Individual Billboard Survey Permit usually requires only one Advance Notice, while an Annual Billboard Survey Permit often requires multiple Advance Notices.
The Advance Notice for an Individual Billboard Survey Permit must include a site plan.
The Advance Notice for an Annual Billboard Survey Permit must include the following for each viewing zone where vegetation management will be conducted:
- A site plan
- A copy of the relevant billboard permit
- A copy of the ISA Arborist Certification for the arborist who will conduct the survey
- Proof of landowner permission if the vegetation management area is not owned by MDOT
A site plan submitted with an Advance Notice must include a full‑color aerial map photograph showing the highway and the viewing zone. The following items must be clearly marked on the site plan:
- The billboard location, including latitude and longitude coordinates of the proposed or existing billboard
- The billboard permit number, if applicable
- The limits of the billboard’s viewing zone
- The name of the highway
- The pavement edge
- The highway right‑of‑way boundary
- The type of right‑of‑way
- The posted speed limit
- A correctly oriented compass rose or north arrow