2006 Annual Educational Conference on Outdoor Advertising Cleveland, Ohio Keith C. Melvin, CPM Director of Outdoor Advertising South Carolina Department of Transportation 955 Park Street, Columbia, South Carolina (803) / VEGETATION CONTROL

Vegetation Maintenance In an effort to maintain highway beautification in conjunction with proper land management and to acknowledge the advertising industry’s need to maintain advertising displays on interstate routes, the SC Department of Transportation implemented a statewide Outdoor Advertising Vegetation Maintenance Program.

Vegetation Agreement This program was initially a ten-year agreement between the sign owner and the Department of Transportation. Currently agreements are renewed with payment of the annual vegetation permit fee. A sign must be permitted for at least two years before it is allowed participation in this program.

There is an initial $ participation fee per sign. During each remaining year, an annual $ maintenance fee per sign will be required for the duration of the agreement. Cost to Participate

It is the sign owner’s responsibility to clear-cut the initial 300-foot window within a 500-foot area in front of the permitted sign. The 300-foot window will allow the participant to select the most advantageous area to be cut, allowing for the best visibility of their sign. Right of way will be entered from the private owner side for removal of vegetation. All cutting and debris removed immediately after cutting. Owner’s Responsibility

Each year after the initial cutting, the Department of Transportation (contracted mowers) will mow the area for the duration of the contract period. This mowing will be performed once a year in conjunction with routine maintenance of the right-of-way. SCDOT Responsibility

500 ft. 300 ft. 200 ft. 300 ft. 0 ft. NB SB 300 –500 ft window 0 –300 ft window 200 –500 ft window

O’ 300’

Active Vegetation Permits 1438 active vegetation permits

Advantages for the Program 1. Reduction in illegal cutting 2. Additional revenue for the Department 3. Maintains visibility for the sign

Termination of Agreement Any violation of the agreement. Violation of ODA policies, regulations or laws. Cancellation of the sign permit. Failure to clear the 500 feet in a reasonable manner. 30 day notice and date of termination.

No hardwoods in excess of 6 inches in diameter will be removed unless there are extraordinary circumstances warranting removal, such as hazard to life and/or property. Trees to remain are marked. All cutting and debris removed immediately after cutting. Right of way fence must be replaced. Limitations

Vegetation Control THE END