MDOT receives vegetation and drainage control permit applications from individuals, local government agencies, organizations, and businesses. These applications, to operate or construct privately or publicly-owned facilities within the state highway right of way, include the following types of facilities or operations:
- Cutting grass/hay on interstates and freeways
- Drainage design (discharging stormwater)
- Enclosed ditches
- Grading (earthen berms - cuts and fills, slope stabilization, and turf establishment)
- Vegetation trimming and removal
- Use of pesticides/herbicides
- Prescribed fires
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.