NC S183

Establishes statutory standards for selective vegetation removal in rights-of-way of North Carolina state highways, requiring written permits from the Department of Transportation.

Creates a maximum vegetation removal zone for outdoor advertising signs defined by specific geometric points (A through E), with different distance limits in municipal areas versus unincorporated areas.

Requires outdoor advertising sign owners to either reimburse the Department for removed trees based on annual caliper-inch valuations, remove two nonconforming signs per removal site, or submit an approved replanting and beautification plan.

Protects native dogwoods and redbuds from removal and establishes a two-year eligibility requirement before permits can be issued for permitted outdoor advertising locations.

Provides a 30-day permit approval timeline with deemed approval if Department fails to respond, and allows appeals of denials to the Secretary of Transportation within 30 days.