MDT Outdoor Advertising - Forms

The New Application - Form MDT-ROW-020 is completed when you are requesting a new sign permit application. If your application is approved, a permit number and plate will be issued. After the initial three-year period, the permit may be renewed every three years thereafter without completing a new application. The department will notify the sign owner when the renewal fee is due.

Before the permit can be issued, we will carefully consider the application and inspect the proposed location to be sure the sign will meet all requirements. If the sign is located on land owned by someone other than the sign owner, the landowner's written permission is required. Also, some cities, towns and counties have local sign ordinances or regulations, so you will need to get written approval from the local zoning authority before the department can review the application.

Signs advertising the sale or lease of the property on which they are located, or for a sign advertising the products or services provided on the property, are considered On-Premise signs and do not need permitting. For example: motel, restaurants, service stations or store signs do not need permits if the sign is located on-premises. It is important that you check for local government ordinances or regulations that may apply to on-premises signs. See ARM 18.6.202 and ARM 18.6.204

Please review the application to have the documents necessary to complete the application in its entirety.

If this application is for a Bus Shelter or Bench advertising, please do not use this application. There is a separate application for Bus/Bench permits.

All sign applicants must complete each Form in its entirety. Failure to do so will result in the application being returned.

New Application Instructions:

Application Form Page 1 (Applicant Cover):

1. All applicants must complete Form page 1 in its entirety. Failure to do so will result in the application being returned.
2. Estimated Longitude and Latitude should be provided in decimal degrees and to the 4th decimal. An example would be Longitude: -111.9928 Latitude: 46.5892. A web-based source for obtaining this is: http://www.gps-coordinates.net/. Other GPS devises can be used as well.
3. All applications must include the $150.00 non-refundable inspection fee. For “New Permits” an additional permit fee based on sign size must be included.

Application Form Page 2 (Description of Sign Structure):

1. Enter the feet dimension Height above Ground Level (HAGL) is measured at a right angle from the surface of the center of the roadway to the lowest edge of the sign. “Bus Shelter/Bench” signs do not require a HAGL. Dimension Height must not exceed 30 feet (30’)

Application Form Page 3 (Detailed Drawing of Sign Location):

1. Additional sketches and drawings may be attached to the application.

Application Form Page 4 (Landowner Affidavit):

1. If the sign applicant has an Easement for the sign location, the applicant can attach a copy of the Recorded Easement document to serve as the Landowner Affidavit.
2. The application must include the Sign Owner and Landowner signatures

Application Form Page 5 (Local Zoning Certificate):

1. The Zoning Certificate needs to be filled out and signed by the City/County zoning official.
2. All sign applicants must complete Form Page 5 in its entirety. Failure to do so will result in the application being returned. “Bus Shelter/Bench” or “Welcome To” sign applicants requesting the sign to be place in the public Right of Way do not need to complete this page.

Application Form Page 6 (Qualifying Business Description):

1. All New Permit applicants that are not located in a zoned commercial or industrial location must complete Form Page 6 in its entirety. Failure to do so will result in the application being returned.
2. The proposed sign location must be within 600 feet of the outside edge of a qualified Activities’ permanent building. Parking and or display areas and other uses of the Qualified Activities’ lands may not be used for this measurement.

Due to a variety of rules and regulations that may affect issuing a sign permit, we suggest you contact an MDT OAC Agent about your sign plans prior to submitting an application. However, approval is only considered after receiving a complete application.

Submit applications electronically to: mdtoacctrlXYZmtABCgov
OAC Contact Number - 406-444-6386
Montana Department of Transportation Attn: OAC
PO Box 201001
Helena, MT 59620-1001

The Upgrade Application - Form MDT-ROW-004 is completed when you are requesting a change in an existing sign permit. If your application is approved, a copy of the approved application will be sent to the email/mail address on file. The renewal fee will continue as scheduled.

Before the application can be approved, we will carefully consider the application and inspect the proposed location to be sure the sign will meet all requirements. If the sign is located on land owned by someone other than the sign owner, the landowner's written permission is required.

Please review the application to have the documents necessary to complete the application in its entirety.

All sign applicants must complete each Form in its entirety. Failure to do so will result in the application being returned.

Upgrade Application Instructions:

Application Form Page 1 (Applicant Cover)

1. Upgrade/change include any change in height, width, area, number of facings, materials, See ARM 18.6.252 for a complete description.
2. Estimated Longitude and Latitude should be provided in decimal degrees and to the 4th decimal. An example would be Longitude: -111.9928 Latitude: 46.5892. A web-based source for obtaining this is: http://www.gps-coordinates.net. Other GPS devises can be used as well.
3. All applications must include the $150.00 non-refundable inspection fee. For “New Permits” an additional permit fee based on sign size must be included.

Application Form Page 2 (Proposed Changes to Sign)

1. Upgrade/change include any change in height, width, area, number of facings, materials, See ARM 18.6.252 for a complete description.
2. Enter the feet dimension Height above Ground Level (HAGL) is measured at a right angle from the surface of the center of the roadway to the lowest edge of the sign. “Bus Shelter/Bench” signs do not require a HAGL.

Application Form Page 3 (Landowner Affidavit)

1. If the sign applicant has an Easement for the sign location, the applicant can attach a copy of the Recorded Easement document to serve as the Landowner Affidavit.

Application Form Page 4 (Local Zoning Certificate)

1. The Zoning Certificate needs to be filled out and signed by the City/County zoning official.
2. All sign applicants must complete Form Page 5 in its entirety. Failure to do so will result in the application being returned. “Bus Shelter/Bench” or “Welcome To” sign applicants requesting the sign to be place in the public Right of Way do not need to complete this page.

Application Form Page 5 (Qualifying Business Description) (if needed)

1. All New Permit applicants that are not located in a zoned commercial or industrial location must complete Form Page 6 in its entirety. Failure to do so will result in the application being returned.
2. The proposed sign location must be within 600 feet of the outside edge of a qualified Activities’ permanent building. Parking and or display areas and other uses of the Qualified Activities’ lands may not be used for this measurement.

Due to a variety of rules and regulations that may affect issuing a sign permit, we suggest you contact an MDT OAC Agent about your sign plans prior to submitting an application. However, approval is only considered after receiving a complete application.

Submit applications electronically to: mdtoacctrlXYZmtABCgov
OAC Contact Number - 406-444-6386
Montana Department of Transportation Attn: OAC
PO Box 201001
Helena, MT 59620-1001

The Relocation Application - Form MDT-ROW-005 is completed when you are requesting to relocate an existing sign permit to a new location. If your application is approved, a permit number and plate will be issued. After the initial three-year period, the permit may be renewed every three years thereafter without completing a new application. The department will notify the sign owner when the renewal fee is due.

Before the application can be approved, we will carefully consider the application and inspect the proposed location to be sure the sign will meet all requirements. If the sign is located on land owned by someone other than the sign owner, the landowner's written permission is required. Also, some cities, towns and counties have local sign ordinances or regulations, so you will need to get written approval from the local zoning authority before the department can review the application.

Signs advertising the sale or lease of the property on which they are located, or for a sign advertising the products or services provided on the property, are considered On-Premise signs and do not need permitting. For example: motel, restaurants, service stations or store signs do not need permits if the sign is located on-premises. It is important that you check for local government ordinances or regulations that may apply to on-premises signs. See ARM 18.6.202 and ARM 18.6.204

All sign applicants must complete each Form in its entirety. Failure to do so will result in the application being returned.

Application Form Page 1 (Applicant Cover)

1. If the relocation includes an upgrade, you will need to fill out the Upgrade Application and the Relocation Application. Upgrade includes any changes in the height, width, area, number of facings, material or lighting. See ARM 18.6.252 for a completed description.
2. Estimated Longitude and Latitude should be provided in decimal degrees and to the 4th decimal. An example would be Longitude: -111.9928 Latitude: 46.5892. A web-based source for obtaining this is http://www.gps-coordinates.net. Other GPS devises can be used as well.
3. All applications must include the $150.00 non-refundable inspection fee. For “New Permits” an additional permit fee based on sign size must be included.

Application Form Page 2 (New Location Detailed Drawing)

1. Additional sketches and drawings may be attached to the application

Application Form Page 3 (Landowner Affidavit):

1. The application must include the Sign Owner and Landowner signatures.

Application Form Page 4 (Local Zoning Certificate)

1. The Zoning Certificate needs to be filled out and signed by the City/County zoning official.
2. All sign applicants must complete Form Page 5 in its entirety. Failure to do so will result in the application being returned. “Bus Shelter/Bench” or “Welcome To” sign applicants requesting the sign to be place in the public Right of Way do not need to complete this page.

Application Form Page 5 (Qualifying Business Description): (if needed)

1. All New Permit applicants that are not located in a zoned commercial or industrial location must complete Form Page 6 in its entirety. Failure to do so will result in the application being returned.
2. The proposed sign location must be within 600 feet of the outside edge of a qualified Activities’ permanent building. Parking and or display areas and other uses of the Qualified Activities’ lands may not be used for this measurement.

Due to a variety of rules and regulations that may affect issuing a sign permit, we suggest you contact an MDT OAC Agent about your sign plans prior to submitting an application. However, approval is only considered after receiving a complete application.

Submit applications electronically to: mdtoacctrlXYZmtABCgov
OAC Contact Number - 406-444-6386
Montana Department of Transportation Attn: OAC
PO Box 201001
Helena, MT 59620-1001

The Permit Transfer Application - Form MDT-ROW-009

We ask that the Buyer be in contact with both Current Sign Owner(Seller) and Landowner before starting this transfer request application process. This will help ensure that the correct and current information is input into the respective processes and verifications.

Each party needs to fill out and sign their section:

• Buyers Responsibility (New owner)
• Sellers Information (Current sign owner Responsibility)
• Landowner Information (Landowners Responsibility)

The Applicant/Buyer is responsible for initiating this request. The following information is required to begin this process: Current Permit #, First and Last Name of Current Sign Owner and Landowner, Email, Mailing Address, and Phone # of Sign Owner and Landowner

The Current Sign Owner(Seller) is required to verify sign ownership and contact information.

The current Landowner is required to verify land ownership of sign placement. The landowner can attach any land lease information that may be applicable.

Each party is required to sign the form or provide the current lease.

Please be advised that submitting the application does not constitute approval. The application will be processed, reviewed and approved by Outdoor Advertising Control. Once approved, all parties will be notified, and a copy of the approved transfer request will be sent to each party.

Due to a variety of rules and regulations that may affect issuing a sign permit, we suggest you contact an MDT OAC Agent about your sign plans prior to submitting an application. However, approval is only considered after receiving a complete application.

Submit applications electronically to: mdtoacctrlXYZmtABCgov
OAC Contact Number - 406-444-6386
Montana Department of Transportation Attn: OAC
PO Box 201001
Helena, MT 59620-1001

The Existing Sign - Community "Welcome To" Application - Form MDT-ROW-024 is completed when you have an existing “Welcome To” sign established. All new “Welcome To” signs must complete a new application New Application - Form MDT-ROW-020 (see above).

New Application Instructions:

Application Form Page 1 (Applicant Cover):

1. All applicants must complete Form page 1 in its entirety. Failure to do so will result in the application being returned.
2. Enter the feet dimension, Height Above Ground Level (HAGL) at a right angle from the surface of the center of the roadway to the lowest edge of the sign.

Application Form Page 2 (Landowner Affidavit):

1. If the sign applicant has an Easement for the sign location, the applicant can attach a copy of the Recorded Easement document to serve as the Landowner Affidavit.
2. If the "Welcome To” sign applicant is requesting the sign to be place in the public Right of Way, then an approved encroachment permit issued from the department, or an equivalent local government permission needs to be attached to the application in place of the landowner affidavit or the MDT Project Agreement that allowed the sign.

Due to a variety of rules and regulations that may affect issuing a sign permit, we suggest you contact an MDT OAC Agent about your sign plans prior to submitting an application. However, approval is only considered after receiving a complete application.

Submit applications electronically to: mdtoacctrlXYZmtABCgov
OAC Contact Number - 406-444-6386
Montana Department of Transportation Attn: OAC
PO Box 201001
Helena, MT 59620-1001

The Notification Report – Form MDT-ROW-008 is completed for repairing or maintenance of a non-conforming sign.

The Site Clearing Application – Form-ROW-016 is completed for removal of trees and shrubs or anything that is within our existing right-of-way that is blocking the view of a permitted sign.

The Relinquishment Request – Form-ROW-017 is completed when the applicant is requested to relinquish an existing permit. The landowner is required to sign this form before the request can be considered for approval.

The Permit Tag Replacement Request – Form-ROW-018 is completed when the applicant is requesting a new permit tag.

The The Bus Shelter/Benches – Form MDT-ROW-025 is completed when you are requesting a new bus shelter/bench sign permit application. If your application is approved, a permit number and plate will be issued. After the initial three-year period, the permit may be renewed every three years thereafter without completing a new application. The department will notify the sign owner when the renewal fee is due.

Before the permit can be issued, we will carefully consider the application and inspect the proposed location to be sure the sign will meet all requirements. Also, some cities, towns and counties have local sign ordinances or regulations, so you will need to get written approval from the local zoning authority before the department can review the application.

Please review the application to have the documents necessary to complete the application in its entirety.

All sign applicants must complete each page in its entirety. Failure to do so will result in the application being returned.

New Application Instructions:

Application Form Page 1 (Applicant Cover)

1. The applicant must be a Transit Authority for Bus Shelter/Bunches.
2. Estimated Longitude and Latitude should be provided in decimal degrees and to the 4th decimal. An example would be Longitude: -111.9928 Latitude: 46.5892. A web-based source for obtaining this is: http://www.gps-coordinates.net. Other GPS devises can be used as well.
3. All applications must include the $150.00 non-refundable inspection fee. For “New Permits” an additional permit fee of $10 must be included.

Application Form Page 2 (Description of Sign Structure):

1. Provide detailed information of Shelter bench and or bench. Sign specs and or drawings can be included.

Application Form Page 3 (Detailed Drawing of Sign Location):

1. Provide location of bench or shelter in right of way, showing distances from other signs, benches or shelters, including cross streets. Additional sketches, drawings or aerial images may be attached to the application.

Application Form Page 4 (Local Zoning Certificate):

1. The Zoning Certificate needs to be filled out and signed by the City/County zoning official.
2. All sign applicants must complete Form Page 4 in its entirety. Failure to do so will result in the application being returned.

Due to a variety of rules and regulations that may affect issuing a sign permit, we suggest you contact an MDT OAC Agent about your sign plans prior to submitting an application. However, approval is only considered after receiving a complete application.

Submit applications electronically to: mdtoacctrlXYZmtABCgov
OAC Contact Number - 406-444-6386
Montana Department of Transportation Attn: OAC
PO Box 201001
Helena, MT 59620-1001