Issues

SIGN CONTROL

Billboard Legislation Finally Addresses Billboard Proliferation in Michigan

Currently Michigan ranks second in the nation in the number of billboards. This proliferation of billboards attacks the visual beauty of our state. However, with Governor Granholms’ signing of Senate Bills 567 and 568 positive changes are on the way for 2007.

Scenic Michigan supported and helped shape Senate Bills 567 and 568 because we believed this legislation was a step in the right direction toward preserving Michigan’s scenic beauty. Senate Bill 567 was introduced by Senator Tom George of Kalamazoo, Michigan whose guidance and support helped to secure passage in the Michigan Legislature. This bill will reduce the number of outstanding permits granted for billboards yet to be built. Currently there are over 16,000 billboards in Michigan, and an additional 300 permits have been granted each year. Only 1 of 3 outstanding permits can be retained for future use. Scenic Michigan President, Bethany Goodman praised the Michigan Legislature for passing these bills as a commitment to the people of Michigan that “the view from the road” is worth protecting.

Scenic Michigan has been meeting with representatives from the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Outdoor Advertising Industry for the past year in an effort to work out specifics of the legislation, which includes managed tree trimming in front of billboards. We anticipate that the Michigan Department of Transportation will manage the trimming of trees in front of existing billboards in a reasonable manner. There are importation safeguards in place to regulate such trimming including considerations for safety, and the need to protect the environment and unique natural features that surround our roads and highways. In addition, there are significant penalties in place for improper trimming.

Scenic Michigan board member, Peter Steketee, of Grand Rapids, presented outstanding written and verbal testimony regarding the need to cap the number of Michigan billboards during the legislative learning on the bills. We thank him for serving as an effective spokesperson for Scenic Michigan.

Billboard Control Benefits Everyone

Public Act 0447 of 2006
Public Act 0448 of 2006