§ 54-21-117 — Unauthorized removal, cutting, or trimming of vegetation

(a) If, before obtaining an outdoor advertising device permit and a vegetation control permit, vegetation located on the right-of-way is removed, cut, or trimmed, and application is subsequently made for an outdoor advertising permit, then the commissioner may deny the permit. (b) If, before applying for a vegetation control permit, vegetation located on the right-of-way is removed, cut, or trimmed in the vicinity of an outdoor advertising device, which action was reasonably calculated to afford greater visibility of the outdoor advertising device, then the commissioner may revoke the outdoor advertising device permit or permits for the affected outdoor advertising devices. (c) Prior to invoking this section, the commissioner or the commissioner's designee shall advise the affected outdoor advertising device permit applicant or holder, whichever is appropriate, that a preliminary determination of illegality has been made. The party so advised must be given the opportunity to request a hearing to be conducted pursuant to contested case provisions of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, before the commissioner may make a final determination of illegality.

Legislative History

Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 706, s 8, eff. 6/22/2020. Acts 1972, ch. 655, § 17; T.C.A., § 54-2617.