Public Hearing Notice  Notice of public comment period and hearing to amend 700 CMR 3.00 - Control and Restriction of Billboards, Signs and Other Advertising Devices

Notice is hereby given pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, § 2-3, that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, (“MassDOT”) will hold a supplemental hybrid public hearing on Friday September 6, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., and accept written public comment until 5:00 p.m. on September 6, 2024, the same day, concerning the following regulatory action:

Amend 700 CMR 3.00 - Control and Restriction of Billboards, Signs and Other Advertising Devices

Pursuant to MassDOT’s authority under MGL cc. 6C and 93D, St. 2009 c. 25, and Mass. Const. Amend. art. 50, the proposed amendment clarifies ambiguities about where billboards are permitted as it relates to roadway interchanges and ramps on MassDOT roadways.

Specifically, MassDOT is proposing to amend 700 CMR 3.01: Definitions by adding definitions for the following terms:

Federal Aid Primary Highway System
Freeway Primary Highway System
Interstate System
Main Travelled Way
Travelled Way

MassDOT is also proposing to amend 700 CMR 3.07: Requirements for New Permits by adding the following:

(18) No sign, including electronic, trivision or static signs, may be located adjacent to or within 500 feet of an interchange or intersection at grade, information center, or rest area on an Interstate Highway or Freeway Primary Highway, measured along the Interstate Highway or Freeway Primary Highway from the nearest point of the beginning or ending of widening of the main traveled way at the exit from or entrance to the main traveled way. This subsection 700 C.M.R. 3.07(18) does not apply in cities and towns with a population greater than 50,000.

Comments received during prior public comment hearing/periods are still valid and will be considered.

MassDOT will hold this hearing:

Remotely at: Join on Zoom

In person at: 10 Park Plaza, MassDOT Board Room, 2^nd Floor Boston, Massachusetts 02116

Individuals who notify MassDOT of their intent to testify during the hearing will be afforded an earlier opportunity to speak. Speakers are strongly encouraged to notify MassDOT of their intention to testify at the hearing by emailing the address below with the subject line “Regulation Hearing Comment - Control and Restriction of Billboards, Signs and Other Advertising Devices.” Written comments must be submitted by email or postal mail to the following address:

Email: Eileen.Fenton@dot.state.ma.us

Postal Mail: Eileen Fenton, Managing Counsel, MassDOT 10 Park Plaza, Suite 3510 Boston, Massachusetts 02116

A copy of the above-listed regulations may be obtained by request to the above address or email address.

MassDOT may adopt a revised version of the proposed action taking into account relevant comments received and any other practical alternatives that come to its attention.

For accommodation or language assistance requests, please contact MassDOT’s Chief Diversity & Civil Rights Officer by phone at (857) 368-8580, TTD/TTY at (857) 266 0603, fax (857) 368 0602 or by email to MassDOT.CivilRights@dot.state.ma.us. Requests should be made as soon as possible, ideally at least five business days before the close of the public hearing.