Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) intends to consider amending 24VAC30-200, Vegetation Control Regulations on State Rights of Way. The purpose of the proposed action is to undertake a comprehensive review of the regulation, which enables the Virginia Department of Transportation to permit vegetation removal, set forth the standards for which vegetation removal shall be permissible, and analyze proposed vegetation removal applications in order to mitigate potential adverse impacts on the aesthetics and health of vegetation and state-controlled highways. The intent of this action is to remove redundant or obsolete language, with the goal of identifying opportunities for regulatory reduction and streamlining in accordance with Executive Order 19 (2022).

In addition, pursuant to § 2.2-4007.1 of the Code of Virginia, the CTB is conducting a periodic review and small business impact review of this regulation to determine whether this regulation should be terminated, amended, or retained in its current form. Public comment is sought on the review of any issue relating to this regulation, including whether the regulation (i) is necessary for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare; (ii) minimizes the economic impact on small businesses consistent with the stated objectives of applicable law; and (iii) is clearly written and easily understandable.

The agency does not intend to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: § 33.2-210 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: September 13, 2023.

Agency Contact: JoAnne P. Maxwell, Regulatory Coordinator, Governance and Legislative Affairs Division, Department of Transportation, 1401 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 786-1830, FAX (804) 225-4700, or email joanne.maxwell@vdot.virginia.gov.