House amendment makes the following changes to 5th edition. Amends GS 136-93(d) to (1) specify that a municipality has thirty days to review and provide comments (was, nonbinding comments) on the application under certain circumstances and (2) delete provision prohibiting local governments from regulating vegetation cutting, trimming, pruning, or removal within the limits of interstate or primary highway rights-of-way by any permittee or other person authorized by the Department of Transportation.
Amends proposed GS 136-133(c) to specify that outdoor advertising signs must also comply with local government requirements.
Amends proposed GS 136-133.1(a) to modify certain maximum cut or removal zones for vegetation for each sign face.
Amends proposed GS 136-133.1(b) to specify that any existing tree that was in existence at the time that an outdoor advertising structure was erected is not eligible for removal.
Deletes proposed GS 136-133.1(d).
Amends proposed GS 136-133.1(e) to specify that removal of trees and vegetation eligible for removal under GS 136-133.1, except for native dogwoods and native redbuds, must be permitted within the cut or removal zone if the applicant for the selective vegetation removal permit agrees to submit to the Department of Transportation a plan for beautification and replanting related to the site for which the vegetation permit request is made.
Amends proposed GS 136-133.1(g) to specify that the distance from a controlled access fence within the limits of the highway right-of-way may be no more than three feet.
Amends proposed GS 136-133.1(i) to authorize the Department of Transportation to revoke an outdoor advertising permit for the unlawful destruction or illegal cutting of vegetation within the right of way of any state-owned or state-maintained highway where the unlawful destruction or illegal cutting occurred within 500 feet of either side of the corresponding sign location measured along the edge of pavement of the main travel way of the nearest controlled route, and the unlawful destruction created, increased, or improved the view of the outdoor advertising sign for passing motorists.
Amends proposed GS 136-133.5(a) to allow a district engineer to refuse to issue a permit for a proposed outdoor advertising structure if the structure does not also meet local government standards.
Adds new GS 136-133.5(h) to allow for local government regulation of outdoor advertising except as otherwise specified in the act.
Deletes proposed amendments to GS 136-127.
Makes other technical and conforming changes.

Senate amendment makes the following changes to 3rd edition.
Amends GS 136-18.7 to add that the fee for certain selective vegetation removal permits may be used for the costs of administering the permit process and for highway beautification planting. Amends GS 136-133, clarifying that the fee for outdoor advertising structures must not exceed a $150 initial fee and a $60 annual renewal fee (was, $90 annual renewal fee). Deletes requirement that $30 of each fee be used for highway beautification projects. Amends proposed GS 136-133.1(e) to specify that the complete removal of any trees, except for native dogwoods and native redbuds, and all other vegetation will be permitted in the specified cut and removal zone if the applicant submits a plan for beautification and replanting at the relevant site. Directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to develop rules for compensatory replanting, as indicated. Provides additional details on replanting. Specifies that the $400 fee for a selective vegetation permit imposed under GS 136-18.7 is nonrecurring for sites at which the applicant implements an approved replanting plan. Amends proposed GS 136-133.5(c), requiring the DOT to reveal substantial, material evidence (was, some evidence) that the unlawful destruction or illegal cutting would create, increase, or improve a view to a proposed outdoor advertising sign from the main traveled way of the nearest controlled route before denying a permit. Adds a section to make conforming changes to GS 136-127. Directs DOT to adopt temporary rules to administer the act, effective when the act becomes law. Makes other clarifying and conforming changes.

Senate committee substitute makes the following changes to 1st edition.
Removes section amending GS 136-129, which concerned electronic billboards. Amends GS 136-133, which concerns required permits, to specify that the fee for outdoor advertising structures must not exceed a $150 (currently, $120) initial fee and a $90 annual renewal fee. Provides that $30 of each initial and annual fee will be used for highway beautification projects. Prohibits the use of additional funds from the Highway Trust Fund for vegetation replacement. Enacts new subsection (c) to GS 136-133, providing that no electrical utility permit will be denied to an outdoor advertising sign, as described, if the Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a permit and the sign is valid and otherwise technically compliant. Amends proposed GS 136-133.1(a)(5), clarifying that the maximum cut or removal zone for vegetation for each sign face must meet certain specifications within city limits. Amends proposed GS 136-133.4(c), clarifying that DOT will determine traffic control signage (rather than the division roadside environmental engineer). Makes other clarifying and conforming changes, and makes a conforming change to the title.