TITLE 24. TRANSPORTATION AND MOTOR VEHICLES

COMMONWEALTH TRANSPORTATION BOARD

Proposed Regulation

Title of Regulation: 24VAC30-200. Vegetation Control Regulations on State Rights-of-Way (amending 24VAC30-200-10, 24VAC30-200-20, 24VAC30-200-30; repealing 24VAC30-200-40).

Statutory Authority: § 33.1-210 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Hearing Information: No public hearing is currently scheduled.

Public Comment Deadline: April 11, 2025.

Agency Contact: JoAnne P. Maxwell, Agency 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.

Basis: Section 33.2-1221 of the Code of Virginia grants the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) the authority to promulgate regulations necessary to administer selective pruning permits.

Purpose: The proposed amendments are essential to protecting public health, safety, and welfare as the amendments advance improved maintenance of vegetation within the state highway right-of-way and ensure that permittees are better able to understand and comply with various standards by incorporating the appropriate standards into the terms and conditions of the required land use permit, which must be secured before work may be conducted in the right-of-way.

Substance: In addition to administrative updates, eliminating redundancy, adding clarifying language, and bringing the text in line with current practice, the proposed amendments remove the DIBR from the chapter and instead include the relevant documents in the terms of the land use permit. To ensure consistent treatment and regulation of both outdoor advertising signs and businesses, application of the restriction on cutting vegetation in front of businesses will be amended from trunks two inches in diameter to trunks six inches in diameter, and application of the restriction on pruning vegetation in front of businesses will be amended from limbs two inches in diameter to limbs four inches in diameter.

Other changes include replacing the definition of "unsightly" with a definition of "undesirable" and including invasive species and trees that pose a safety threat in the definition, removing the protection for nonnative flowering trees, eliminating language on creating a picture frame effect around signs, removing the requirement for the submission of 8" x 10" glossy photographs with permit applications, and eliminating the phrase "chipped and beneficially used" to discourage leaving wood chips on site.

Issues: The primary benefit to both the public and the agency of the removal of the DIBR section is improved clarity for regulated entities, ensuring regulated entities are aware of the specific documents relevant to them by including the documents in the terms of the land use permit. This change will also ensure the most updated version of each document is clearly specified for compliance. There are no disadvantages to this proposed change, as the permit forms will be updated to correspond with this change and all permit documents are publicly available on the VDOT website.

The inconsistency between the requirements for cutting and pruning in front of businesses and in front of outdoor advertising has made enforcement of this chapter inconsistent. VDOT has determined through surveying VDOT roadside managers that the less than two inch in diameter limitation for cutting and pruning vegetation in front of businesses is too restrictive and is impractical in many cases due to the rate of vegetation growth. The proposed amendments will relax restrictions on vegetation control in front of businesses, allowing such businesses to be more visible from highways, while maintaining the requirements for replacing cut vegetation under a landscape plan. Since replacement vegetation is required for trees that are removed, no negative impact to the environment or landscape is anticipated from these amendments.

The other proposed changes to the regulation benefit the public by removing redundant or outdated language or providing additional clarity and are not anticipated to present a disadvantage to the public or the Commonwealth.

Department of Planning and Budget Economic Impact Analysis:

The Department of Planning and Budget (DPB) has analyzed the economic impact of this proposed regulation in accordance with § 2.2-4007.04 of the Code of Virginia and Executive Order 19. The analysis presented represents DPB's best estimate of the potential economic impacts as of the date of this analysis.¹

Summary of the Proposed Amendments to Regulation. The Commonwealth Transportation Board (board) proposes to (i) increase the maximum allowable diameters of vegetation that can be cut or pruned to make a business more visible from the roadway, and (ii) remove the Documents Incorporated by Reference (DIBR) section from the regulatory text and instead incorporate the relevant documents within the terms of the land use permit applications.

Background. This regulation provides the regulatory requirements for individuals applying for a permit to remove vegetation when it obscures the view of an existing outdoor advertising structure (e.g., a billboard or sign) or a business that is visible from a Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) maintained highway. The current regulation specifies that: "All cutting to make an outdoor advertising structure more visible from the roadway shall be limited to vegetation with trunk base diameters of less than six inches. All cutting to make a business more visible from the roadway shall be limited to vegetation with trunk base diameters of less than two inches." Additionally, the current regulation specifies that: "No pruning of vegetation to make an outdoor advertising sign more visible from the roadway will be permitted if the cut at the point of pruning will exceed four inches in diameter. No pruning of vegetation to make a business more visible from the roadway will be permitted if the cut at the point of pruning will exceed two inches in diameter." As a result of a periodic review conducted on this regulation in 2019,² VDOT determined that the inconsistency between the requirements for cutting and pruning in front of businesses and outdoor advertising made enforcement inconsistent. The agency also determined through surveying VDOT roadside managers that the less than two inch in diameter limitation for cutting and pruning vegetation in front of businesses is too restrictive and impractical in many cases due to the rate of vegetation growth. Consequently, the board proposes to amend the regulation to make the maximum diameters for cutting and pruning vegetation to make a business more visible from the roadway consistent with the maximum diameters for outside advertising: six inches for cutting and four inches for pruning. The current and proposed regulation requires that there be replacement vegetation. A certified arborist and a VDOT official or when applicable, a local government official must agree on the size and species of replacement vegetation in a landscape plan.

Estimated Benefits and Costs: Increasing the diameter of trees and branches that can be cleared for a business location from two inches to six inches for trunk base, and to four inches for branches, could spark new attention for businesses alongside roadways due to increased visibility. Thus, the proposed increase in allowable diameter for cutting and trimming may increase the number of permit applications for such work. From 2020 to 2023 there were on average 19.5 permits issued by VDOT to perform cutting or trimming for business locations. The agency delegates its authority to issue such permits to cities or towns when the relevant public right-of-way is within their jurisdictional limits. Therefore, it is likely there were more than the average of 19.5 businesses permitted annually from 2020 to 2023, but VDOT does not have these data. The main benefit of this proposed change is allowing businesses to make their frontage more visible from the roadway if they are interested in doing so and consequently, potentially increasing their number of customers. However, VDOT notes that any cutting and pruning would still require setting up a road-work zone and may create a work road hazard to drivers in that area while the work is being done. Given that the current diameter standards make cutting and pruning impractical in some instances, the new proposed standards may result in an increase in road-work zones to the extent that it encourages new cutting and pruning activity. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Trees are increasingly recognized for their importance in managing runoff. Their leaf canopies help reduce erosion caused by falling rain. They also provide surface area where rainwater lands and evaporates. Roots take up water and help create conditions in the soil that promote infiltration."³ Thus, cutting down trees without replacement could lead to increased flooding and other problems related to runoff such as pollution. The current and proposed regulations do require that there be replacement vegetation in a landscape plan approved by a certified arborist and a VDOT or local official. Thus, if the vegetation is replaced in a timely fashion and according to the approved plan, potential runoff risk may be largely mitigated. Removing the DIBRs from the regulation and incorporating the relevant documents within the terms of the land use permits does not change the applicability of the requirements, but it changes how they are enforced by shifting from administrative (i.e., regulatory) to contractual compliance. Some, but not all of the requirements reiterate or clarify requirements from the Code of Virginia or regulation. To the extent that VDOT is able to enforce these requirements contractually instead of administratively, by treating each permit as a contract, there is not likely to be a substantial economic impact.

Businesses and Other Entities Affected. The proposed changes potentially apply to any business wishing to improve their visibility from a highway by cutting or pruning vegetation. From 2020 to 2023 there were on average 19.5 permits issued by VDOT for this work. An unknown additional number of permits were likely issued by local governments. The proposed changes would likely increase the demand for permits. The Code of Virginia requires DPB to assess whether an adverse impact may result from the proposed regulation.⁴ An adverse impact is indicated if there is any increase in net cost or reduction in net benefit for any entity, even if the benefits exceed the costs for all entities combined.⁵ The proposed amendments may be substantially beneficial for some businesses wishing to increase their visibility. Nevertheless, the proposal is likely to increase road-work zones, which may cause some delays for motorists. Since an adverse impact is indicated if there is any increase in net cost for any entity, even if the benefits exceed the costs for all entities combined, an adverse impact is indicated.

Small Businesses⁶ Affected.⁷ The proposed amendments do not appear to adversely affect small businesses.

Localities⁸ Affected.⁹ The proposed amendments could potentially lead to an increase in permit applications received by localities, especially cities. Localities are authorized to collect $400 per permit application. Assuming that the permit fee is sufficient to cover the administrative costs of the locality, no adverse impact on localities is expected.

Projected Impact on Employment. The proposed changes could lead to an increase in tree clearing and landscaping work and demand for such labor, but it does not appear that it would substantively affect total employment.

Effects on the Use and Value of Private Property. By allowing increased visibility, the proposed amendments may lead to increased business for some firms, which could increase their value. The likely increase in tree clearing and landscaping work may moderately increase the value of some firms that provide such services. Certified arborists and their firms may have increased work and a moderate increase in firm value as well. No other impact on real estate development costs is expected.

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¹ Section 2.2-4007.04 of the Code of Virginia requires that such economic impact analyses determine the public benefits and costs of the proposed amendments. Further the analysis should include but not be limited to: (1) the projected number of businesses or other entities to whom the proposed regulatory action would apply, (2) the identity of any localities and types of businesses or other entities particularly affected, (3) the projected number of persons and employment positions to be affected, (4) the projected costs to affected businesses or entities to implement or comply with the regulation, and (5) the impact on the use and value of private property.

² See https://townhall.virginia.gov/L/ViewPReview.cfm?PRid=1847.

³ See https://www.epa.gov/soakuptherain/soak-rain-trees-help-reduce-runoff.

⁴ Pursuant to § 2.2-4007.04 D: In the event this economic impact analysis reveals that the proposed regulation would have an adverse economic impact on businesses or would impose a significant adverse economic impact on a locality, business, or entity particularly affected, the Department of Planning and Budget shall advise the Joint Commission on Administrative Rules, the House Committee on Appropriations, and the Senate Committee on Finance. Statute does not define "adverse impact," state whether only Virginia entities should be considered, nor indicate whether an adverse impact results from regulatory requirements mandated by legislation.

⁵ Statute does not define "adverse impact," state whether only Virginia entities should be considered, nor indicate whether an adverse impact results from regulatory requirements mandated by legislation. As a result, DPB has adopted a definition of adverse impact that assesses changes in net costs and benefits for each affected Virginia entity that directly results from discretionary changes to the regulation.

⁶ Pursuant to § 2.2-4007.04, small business is defined as "a business entity, including its affiliates, that (i) is independently owned and operated and (ii) employs fewer than 500 full-time employees or has gross annual sales of less than $6 million."

⁷ If the proposed regulatory action may have an adverse effect on small businesses, § 2.2-4007.04 requires that such economic impact analyses include: (1) an identification and estimate of the number of small businesses subject to the proposed regulation, (2) the projected reporting, recordkeeping, and other administrative costs required for small businesses to comply with the proposed regulation, including the type of professional skills necessary for preparing required reports and other documents, (3) a statement of the probable effect of the proposed regulation on affected small businesses, and (4) a description of any less intrusive or less costly alternative methods of achieving the purpose of the proposed regulation. Additionally, pursuant to § 2.2-4007.1 of the Code of Virginia, if there is a finding that a proposed regulation may have an adverse impact on small business, the Joint Commission on Administrative Rules shall be notified.

⁸ "Locality" can refer to either local governments or the locations in the Commonwealth where the activities relevant to the regulatory change are most likely to occur.

⁹ Section 2.2-4007.04 defines "particularly affected" as bearing disproportionate material impact.

Agency Response to Economic Impact Analysis: The Commonwealth Transportation Board accepts the economic impact analysis prepared by the Department of Planning and Budget.

Summary:

Pursuant to a comprehensive review of Vegetation Control Regulations on State Rights-of-Way (24VAC30-200) and in accordance with Executive Order 19 (2022), the proposed amendments (i) remove the documents incorporated by reference from the chapter and add two land use permit forms containing requirements for vegetation control; (ii) make administrative updates, eliminate redundancy, clarify language, and align text with current practice; (iii) update restrictions on cutting vegetation and pruning vegetation in front of businesses; (iv) remove the protection for nonnative flowering trees; (v) eliminate the requirement to create a picture frame effect around signs; (vi) remove size and print quality requirements for the photographs submitted with permit applications; and (vii) eliminate the phrase "chipped and beneficially used" to discourage leaving wood chips on site.

24VAC30-200-10. Definitions.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Agent" means the person, firm, or corporation representing the permittee.

"Board" means the Commonwealth Transportation Board as defined in § 33.2-200 of the Code of Virginia.

"Certified arborist" means an individual who has taken and passed the certification examination sponsored by the International Society of Arboriculture and who maintains a valid certification status.

"Cutting" means to completely remove at ground level.

"Daylighting" means to prune or remove vegetation to improve the motorists' view of an outdoor advertising structure or business.

"Department" means the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and its employees.

"Federal-aid primary highway" means any highway as defined in § 33.2-1200 of the Code of Virginia.

"Inspector" means any department employee designated by the Commissioner of Highways or local government official, authorized to review and approve or deny the permit application and landscape plan, inspect the work performed under authority of this chapter, and make a final approval concerning the work performed.

"Interstate system" means any highway as defined in § 33.2-100 of the Code of Virginia.

"Land Use Permit Regulations" means the regulations (24VAC30-151) promulgated by the board for the purpose of authorizing activities within the limits of state rights-of-way.

"Limited access highway" means any highway as defined in § 33.2-400 of the Code of Virginia.

"Local beautification project" means any project in a locality that includes installation of plant materials, using public or other funds, in any public right-of-way within a city or town, or on a highway or street in a county with the county manager form of government as defined in § 33.2-1221 of the Code of Virginia.

"Local government official" means an employee of a local government delegated authority by the city or town council or county board of supervisors where the public right-of-way is within the jurisdictional limits of a city or town on a highway or street not within the jurisdiction of the Commissioner of Highways under § 33.2-1202 of the Code of Virginia, or on a highway or street in a county with the county manager form of government.

"Permittee" means the person, firm, or corporation owning the outdoor advertising sign, advertisement, or advertising structure or the business for whom the vegetation control work is being performed.

"Pruning" means to remove branches from healthy vegetation in a manner that is acceptable using the natural method under the standards and guidelines listed in 24VAC30-200-40 published by the American National Standards Institute, the American Association of Nurserymen, and the International Society of Arboriculture specified in the terms of the permit.

"Specifications" means the current Virginia Department of Transportation's Road and Bridge Specifications (effective January 2002).

"Unsightly" means vegetation to be selectively removed at VDOT's or the local government official's discretion.

"Undesirable" means trees that are invasive, trees with defects, or trees that pose a significant safety risk.

24VAC30-200-20. General provisions.

A. Permits will be issued by the department to control vegetation in front of a sign/structure sign or structure that is not exempt from the provisions of § 33.2-1204 of the Code of Virginia or business that is visible from any highway as defined in § 33.2-1200 of the Code of Virginia and regulated by the territorial limitations as defined in § 33.2-1202 of the Code of Virginia, provided the vegetation control work meets the criteria set forth in § 33.2-1221 and this chapter. An application may be filed with the Commissioner of Highways department by an the owner's agent, including but not limited to companies that trim trees. In all other areas the local government official shall issue the permits.

B. All cutting to make an outdoor advertising structure or business more visible from the roadway shall be limited to vegetation with trunk base diameters of less than six inches. All cutting to make a business more visible from the roadway shall be limited to vegetation with trunk base diameters of less than two inches. All stumps shall be treated with a cut-stump pesticide applied by a licensed pesticide applicator with a license issued by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in Category 6, as defined in 2VAC5-685-70. All pesticides shall be approved by the department or local government official prior to use. Selective thinning in accordance with specifications the terms of the permit or removal of unsightly undesirable vegetation will be allowed on an individual basis to enhance the health and growth of the best trees or to eliminate roadway hazards if recommended by the certified arborist supervising the work and agreed to by the department or local government official. Trees that are diseased, damaged by insects, unsightly, or that pose a safety hazard undesirable may be removed when recommended by the certified arborist supervising the work and approved by the department or local government official. When tree removal is recommended by the certified arborist and approved by this permit, the permittee shall provide a list of suitable trees and shrubs and a landscape plan to replace vegetation removed to the inspector or local government official for review and approval prior to issuance of the permit. The certified arborist and the department or local government official shall agree on size and species of replacement vegetation. The permittee shall plant, at his the permittee's expense, all replacement vegetation at the locations shown on the landscape plan in accordance with the specifications terms of the permit. The establishment period for replacement vegetation shall be in accordance with § 605.05 of the specifications the terms of the permit. No pruning of vegetation to make an outdoor advertising sign or business more visible from the roadway will be permitted if the cut at the point of pruning will exceed four inches in diameter. No pruning of vegetation to make a business more visible from the roadway will be permitted if the cut at the point of pruning will exceed two inches in diameter. No leader branches shall be cut off in such a manner as to retard the normal upright growth of the tree unless recommended by the certified arborist and approved by the department or local government official. All trees and brush removed shall be cut at ground level. Dogwood or other small native flowering trees on the site shall not be removed, unless undesirable. The use of climbing irons or spurs is positively forbidden in any tree.

C. When daylighting signs, every effort shall be made to form a picture frame around the sign with remaining vegetation so as to accent the beauty of the surrounding roadside. A picture frame effect shall be achieved by leaving vegetation in place that will cover the sign structure supports below the face as seen from the main-traveled way.

D. C. A permit must be obtained from the department or local government official prior to any vegetation control work on the state's rights-of-way. All work shall be performed by the permittee at his the permittee's expense, including permit and inspection fees.

E. D. A violation of this chapter shall, in addition to penalties provided in § 33.2-1229 of the Code of Virginia, result in a permittee or its, the permittee's agent, or both losing its a vegetation control permit privilege for five years. Additionally, the bond amount used to secure the permit will be used for any reparations to the site. Inadvertent violations of this permit will require replacement on a four-to-one basis with other suitable small trees approved by the department or local government official to enhance the roadside beauty. The department or local government official shall have full authority to determine specie and size of all replacement vegetation if inadvertent cutting occurs.

24VAC30-200-30. Special provisions.

A. The permittee shall attach two each 8" x 10" color glossy photographs (a closeup view and a distant view) with the permit application showing the vegetation to be controlled, the highway, and the sign or business.

The permit for selective pruning or, tree cutting, or both, will be inspected by the department or local government official and approval or denial given.

A permit may be denied any applicant, and all permits issued by the board department or local government official may be revoked, whenever, in the opinion of the inspector, the safety, use, or maintenance of the highway so requires or the integrity of the permit system so dictates.

If, during or before work begins, it is deemed necessary by the department or local government official to assign inspectors to the work, the permittee shall pay the department or local government issuing the permit an additional inspection fee in an amount that will cover the salary, expense and mileage allowance, and equipment rental, etc., of the inspector or inspectors assigned by the department or local government for handling work covered by this chapter. Said The inspection fee to must be paid promptly each month on bills rendered by the department or local government.

The absence of a state or local government inspector does not in any way relieve the permittee of his the permittee's responsibility to perform the work in accordance with provisions of § 33.2-1221 of the Code of Virginia, this chapter, or the permit.

B. The inspector or local government official shall be notified at least seven days in advance of the date any work is to be performed and when completed, in order than so that an inspection may be made.

C. No trees, shrubs, vines, or plant material, except as covered by this chapter, shall be cut or disturbed. Stubs and dead wood in trees covered by this chapter must be removed, whether occasioned by present requirements or not. Pruning of trees shall only be performed by qualified tree workers who, through related training or experience or both, are familiar with the techniques and hazards of arboricultural work, including trimming, maintaining, repairing or removing trees, and the equipment used in such operations. The supervisor, a certified arborist, and tree workers shall be approved by the inspector or local government official, prior to issuance of a permit to perform work under this chapter. The certified arborist supervising the work shall remain on-site on site whenever work is underway.

All brush, wood, etc., and other resulting slash shall be chipped and beneficially used or removed immediately and disposed of in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Regulations (9VAC20-81) of the Virginia Waste Management Board.

D. All access and work shall be accomplished from the abutting property side of rights-of-way on interstate and other limited access highways, except where a local beautification project has allowed landscape plant material to be planted within a median area. Plant material in median areas may be relocated to other areas within the local beautification project limits in accordance with an approved landscape plan. All work performed on VDOT department rights-of-way shall comply with the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual (part of 24VAC30-310-10 et seq. 24VAC30-315). Any damage caused to property owned by the Commonwealth shall be repaired or replaced in kind when work is complete.

All work done under this chapter on the right-of-way shall in all respects be subject to department or local government official directions and shall be completed to the satisfaction of the inspector or local government official, or his the inspector's or local government official's representative.

E. The department or local government official reserves the right to stop the work at any time the terms of this chapter are not satisfactorily complied with, and the department or local government official may, at its discretion, complete any of the work covered in the permit at the expense of the permittee. If it is in the best interest of traffic safety, the department or local government official may complete or have completed at the expense of the permittee any of the work that must be done to properly protect the traveling public.

F. The permittee shall immediately have corrected correct any condition that may arise as a result of this work that the department or local government official deems hazardous to the traveling public or state maintenance forces even though such conditions may not be specifically covered in this chapter or in the Land Use Permit Regulations (24VAC30-151).

G. Permittees and their permittee agents to whom permits are issued shall at all times indemnify and save harmless the Commonwealth Transportation Board board, local city or town councils, local boards of supervisors, and the Commonwealth of Virginia and its employees, agents, and officers from responsibility, damage, or liability arising from the exercise of the privilege granted in such permit except if political subdivisions are the applicants. Then special arrangements will be made whereby the agent of the political subdivision performing the work will indemnify and save harmless the board and others. All work shall be performed by the permittee at his the permittee's expense. All permit and inspection fees shall be paid to the department or local government official by the permittee.

H. The permittee agrees that if the work authorized by this chapter, including any work necessary to restore shoulders, ditches, and drainage structures to their original condition, is not completed by the permittee to the satisfaction of the department or local government official, the department or local government official will do whatever is required to restore the area within the right-of-way to department standards, and the permittee will pay to the Commonwealth or local government official the actual cost of completing the work. When the permittee is a political subdivision, this requirement will be satisfied by a sum certain that will appear in the permit.

I. Road and street connections and private and commercial entrances are to be kept in a satisfactory condition. Entrances shall not be blocked. Ample provisions must be made for safe ingress and egress to adjacent property at all times. Where entrances are disturbed, they shall be restored to the satisfaction of the department or local government official.

J. Road drainage shall not be blocked. The pavement, shoulders, ditches, roadside, and drainage facilities, shall be kept in an operable condition satisfactory to the department or local government official. Necessary precautions shall be taken by the permittee to ensure against siltation of adjacent properties, streams, etc., or other topographical features in accordance with the Erosion and Sediment Control Law (§ 62.1-44.15:51 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) and Erosion and Sediment Control Regulations (9VAC25-840).

K. Any conflicts with existing utility facilities shall be resolved between the permittee and the utility owners involved. The permittee shall notify and receive clearance from the utility owner or owners and comply with the Overhead High Voltage Line Safety Act (§ 59.1-406 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) before proceeding with work in the vicinity of utilities.

L. Where landscape is disturbed on state rights-of-way or local street and roads not under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner of Highways in accordance with § 33.2-1202 of the Code of Virginia, it shall be replaced with a minimum of two inches of topsoil and reseeded according to department specifications the terms of the permit.

24VAC30-200-40. Listing of documents incorporated by reference. (Repealed.)

Information pertaining to the availability and cost of any of these publications should be directed in writing to the Virginia Department of Transportation, 1401 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or to the agency address indicated.

1. 24VAC30-151, Land Use Permit Regulations (2010), VDOT

2. VDOT Road and Bridge Specifications (effective January 2002), VDOT

3. 24VAC30-310-10, Virginia Supplement to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (Virginia Work Area Protection Manual), VDOT

4. 4VAC50-30, Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Regulations, Division of Soil and Water Conservation, Department of Conservation and Recreation, 203 Governor St., Richmond, VA 23219

5. 9VAC20-81, Solid Waste Management Regulations, Department of Environmental Quality, 629 E. Main St., Richmond, VA 23219

6. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard for Tree Care Operations, Tree, Shrub and Other Woody Plant Maintenance-Standard Practices - ANSI A300-1995 (effective June 1, 1995), Pruning, Trimming, Repairing, Maintaining, and Removing Trees, and Cutting Brush-Safety Requirements - ANSI Z133.1-1994 (effective August 1, 1994), American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036

7. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) American Standard for Nursery Stock - ANSI Z60.1-1996 (effective November 6, 1996), American Association of Nurserymen, 1250 I Street, N.W., Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005

8. Tree Pruning Guidelines (effective 1995), International Society of Arboriculture, P.O. Box GG, Savoy, IL 61874

FORMS (24VAC30-200)

Vegetation Control Application, Form TTB (rev. 10/98).

Land Use Permit Application for Outdoor Advertising Vegetation Control, LUP-OAVC (rev. 7/2024)

Land Use Permit Application for Vegetation Control Single Business, LUP-VCSB (rev. 7/2024)