- Introduced -

SB 851 - This act makes various changes to Missouri's billboard law.

LIGHTING REGULATIONS - This act updates specifically allows Tri-vision, projection and changeable message signs to be subject to MoDOT lighting regulations.

CUTOUTS, EXTENSION, AND STACKING - This act allows cutouts and extensions on nonconforming signs and makes existing stacked signs legal nonconforming.

ZONED AREAS - This act requires businesses to have the presence of an owner or employee on the premises for at least 20 hours per week to be considered a valid business when determining whether a property is commercial or industrial.

PERMIT FEES - This act increases original permit fee to erect a billboard from $28.50 to $200 and increases biennial inspection fees to $50 on August 28, 2002, $75 on August 28, 2003, and $100 on August 28, 2004.

REMOVAL OF BILLBOARDS - This act allows for the non-compensated removal of billboards for failing to pay fees over 12 months. This act increases the amount of time to cure a billboard violation from 30 to 60 days and requires actual notice of a violation before removal of a sign.

VEGETATION PERMITS - This act requires vegetation permits to be issued according to current MoDOT rules and regulations. The act also allows certain utility companies to remove and trim vegetation without a permit.

This act contains an emergency clause.

This act is similar to SB 247 (2001).

STEPHEN WITTE