Senate Bill 525 proposes significant changes to the regulations surrounding the removal of vegetation obstructing outdoor advertising signs along state trunk highways in Wisconsin. The bill repeals certain existing provisions and amends others to streamline the process for sign owners to maintain visibility of their signs. Notably, it introduces a new definition for "viewing window," allowing sign owners with a vegetation removal permit to clear-cut all vegetation within a specified 500-foot area, including in highway medians. Additionally, the bill eliminates the requirement for an arborist to be employed for tree removals and increases the compensation for removed trees from $200 to $300, with the funds directed towards planting living snow fences.

Furthermore, the bill allows sign owners who obtained a vegetation removal permit after May 19, 2012, to remove vegetation in their viewing window without needing to apply for subsequent permits, provided they notify the Department of Transportation (DOT) beforehand and submit photographs of the site before and after removal. The legislation also clarifies that compensation for removed trees is only required if they are part of a living snow fence, which is defined as vegetation planted by the DOT to prevent snow accumulation on highways. Overall, the bill aims to facilitate the maintenance of outdoor advertising signs while ensuring that safety and environmental considerations are addressed.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 84.305(2), 84.305, 84.305(2m)(a), 84.305(3)(a), 84.305(3)(b), 84.305(3)(g), 84.305(3)(i), 84.305(4), 84.305(5)(a), 84.305(5)(ag), 84.305(5)(d), 84.305(5)(f)1, 84.305(5)(f)2, 84.305(6)(a)