Senate Bill 525 proposes significant changes to the regulations surrounding the removal of vegetation obstructing outdoor advertising signs along state 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 this area, which extends 500 feet from the sign. Additionally, the bill eliminates the requirement for an arborist to be employed for tree removal, instead mandating compensation only for trees removed from designated living snow fences, with the compensation amount increased from $200 to $300 per tree.

Furthermore, the bill allows sign owners who have previously received a vegetation removal permit to remove vegetation in the 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 bill also clarifies that the DOT will oversee the work authorized under these permits to ensure compliance with vegetation removal guidelines. Overall, these changes aim to facilitate the maintenance of outdoor advertising signs while balancing safety and environmental considerations.

Statutes affected:
Text as Enrolled: 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)
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)