The information displayed below outlines the application process and can be used as a guide for future permit applications.

The permit process was new in 2007 and is required under the amended Highway Advertising Act of 1972, Section 252.311a.

Applying for a permit is a three-step process:

1. Permit holders must obtain a survey permit for each billboard location.
2. A survey must be conducted for each sign.
3. Permit holders must apply for a vegetation removal permit. 

The necessary forms for each step are listed below and complete instructions are given in the Instructions for Survey Applications and Billboard Vegetation Removal Applications.

Survey Applications
A complete survey application must include the items below.  A sample survey application packet is available.

• Individual Application and Permit-Use of State Trunkline ROW, Form 2205  OR Annual Application and Permit, Form 2205B 
• Applicable Commercial Sign Permit, Form 2223  (Submit with 2205 only.)
• Certificate of Insurance, Form 2020
• Billboard Vegetation Survey Fee. See the list of fees in  Form 2235.

Conducting the survey

• After receiving a permit (either a permit for an individual survey or an annual permit), the permit holder must submit Advanced Notice of Permitted Activity in the Highway ROW (Form 2204), notifying MDOT at least 5 days in advance that the permit holder will be working within the right-of-way (ROW).
• Detailed instructions for conducting the survey are found in Instructions for Survey Applications and Billboard Vegetation Removal Applications.

Vegetation Removal Applications
A complete application must include the items below.  A sample application packet is available.

• Individual Application and Permit-Use of State Trunkline ROW, Form 2205 
• Applicable Commercial Sign Permit, Form 2223
• Billboard Vegetation Application Fee. See the list of fees in  Form 2235.
• Copy of either: the survey permit (your approved Form 2205, with the permit number and permit agent's approval added) or the approved Advanced Notice of Permitted Activity in the Highway ROW (Form 2204).
• Request for Removal of Vegetation (Form 2231)
• Printouts of digital photographs  (5 copies)
• Proportional plan view  (5 copies) 
• Removal/trimming lists of all trees and shrubs flagged and identified  (5 copies)

If your application is approved, you must submit another Advanced Notice of Permitted Activity in the Highway ROW (Form 2204) before beginning field operations within the right of way.

Questions about the new application process?
Contact your local Transportation Service Center (TSC).