The director may issue a permit to any sign owner who has a lawful permit issued pursuant to section 5516.10 of the Revised Code to remove, cut, and trim vegetation located on the right-of-way of any highway of the interstate or primary system adjacent to the permitted advertising device and replace the same as directed, whenever such vegetation prevents clear visibility from the main traveled way of such highway. The director shall adopt rules for the enforcement of this section. The rules may include requirements for appropriate vehicle identification signage, appropriate bond or insurance, distance limits, and any other conditions as may be required by the director.

An application for a vegetation permit shall be made on forms designated by the director and a separate application must be submitted for each sign face. Each application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee in an amount to be determined by the director. Permits issued hereunder shall run for a period of one year and may be renewed upon application made upon forms prescribed by the director and upon the payment of a nonrefundable renewal fee in an amount to be determined by the director. Any permits that are not renewed shall be returned to the director for cancellation by the expiration date.

The director may modify any vegetation permit as is considered necessary for the safety of the traveling public. The director may revoke, cancel, or disapprove a permit or an application pursuant to section 5516.12 of the Revised Code for any violation of this section or the rules adopted thereunder.

Effective Date: 06-30-1997 .