HB 5928 Summary

• Establishes digital billboard permit system requiring $200 annual fee for digital signs (versus $100 for standard billboards), with digital billboards spaced 1,000 feet apart versus 500-1,000 feet for traditional signs

• Creates vegetation management permit program allowing sign owners to trim/remove trees and shrubs blocking billboard visibility, with application fees of $150 and permit fees of $300, subject to environmental and safety review

• Modifies spacing requirements for signs on certain Michigan interstates designated with one letter and three numbers in counties with 175,000-211,000 population, reducing minimum spacing from 1,000 feet to 900 feet for existing structures

• Defines nonconforming signs and nonstandard signs with provisions allowing customary maintenance up to 40% of replacement cost annually (60% for storm/casualty damage), while restricting enlargement and relocation

• Establishes penalties for unauthorized vegetation trimming including up to $5,000 for first three violations and $25,000 for fourth and subsequent violations within three years, plus three-year permit eligibility suspension