H580 - Revisions to Outdoor Advertising Laws

• Allows relocation and reconstruction of off-premises outdoor advertising signs (billboards) adjacent to Interstate and federal-aid primary highways within the same zoning jurisdiction or city/county limits, subject to Department of Transportation approval and customary use standards.

• Establishes new criteria for unzoned commercial or industrial areas to qualify for outdoor advertising, including requirements that the area have active businesses with necessary licenses, utilities, permanent buildings within 660 feet of highways, and be open to the public at least 20 hours per week.

• Permits relocated signs to have vegetation removed from both private property (with landowner consent) and highway right-of-way to improve visibility, and allows use of different building materials in reconstruction.

• Prohibits counties and cities from enacting ordinances that prevent relocation of off-premises outdoor advertising signs when relocation is caused by state, local government, or eminent domain projects, with relocated signs limited to 50-672 square feet and 50 feet in height.

• Requires the Department of Transportation to adopt implementing rules within six months using expedited procedures including public notice, written comment periods, and at least one public hearing.