WI AB521

Sign owners with vegetation removal permits may clear-cut all vegetation within a 500-foot "viewing window" (the final 500 feet of the 1,000-foot viewing zone), including vegetation in highway medians

Sign owners issued permits on or after May 19, 2012 no longer need to apply for subsequent permits for the same sign and may remove vegetation without DOT approval, though they must notify DOT 15 days before removal and submit before/after photographs within 15 days after

Compensation for removed trees increases from $200 to $300 per tree, but only applies to trees removed from "living snow fences" (DOT-planted vegetation barriers that prevent snow accumulation on highways)

Eliminates the requirement that permit holders retain a certified arborist; DOT instead determines the number of trees to be removed and compensated

Permit applications not approved or denied within 60 calendar days are automatically deemed approved, allowing applicants to schedule vegetation removal with the state outdoor advertising coordinator