NC H304

Increases permit fees for outdoor advertising: initial fees for structures rise from $120 to $240, annual renewal fees from $60 to $75, and establishes a $600 initial fee and $200 renewal fee for selective vegetation removal permits (three-year periods).

Establishes 30-day timeframe for Department of Transportation to approve or deny permit applications; failure to respond within 30 days results in automatic approval of the permit or appeal.

Clarifies just compensation standards for eminent domain takings of outdoor advertising to include sign structure value, permit values, relocation feasibility, and comparable site availability; applies factors from G.S. 136-131.

Permits modernization of outdoor advertising signs including changing to monopole structures, increasing height up to 80 feet, converting to changeable message signs with specific lighting and display requirements, and relocating within the same zoning jurisdiction.

Prohibits state and local governments from denying permits or conditioning development approvals based on non-compliance with local zoning ordinances for lawfully permitted outdoor advertising, and prevents denial due to vegetation obstructing visibility on relocated signs.