Charlotte homeowners are raising concerns after tree removal crews began clear-cutting wooded areas behind residential properties to increase highway visibility for commercial billboards.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation confirmed the clearing projects are legal under state rules.
The tree clearing is permitted under a 20-24 law passed after the North Carolina General Assembly overrode a veto by Gov. Roy Cooper.
The legislation expanded outdoor advertisement view zones up to 500 feet and permitted companies to remove most vegetation within that range.
Additionally, a provision in the 20-26 state budget eliminated fees for certain types of tree removal. Under state rules, billboard companies are not required to notify adjacent property owners before cutting down trees.
Charlotte homeowner Elizabeth Alls selected her property near Interstate 85 in part for its dense trees, garden space and surrounding wildlife. She said she had no reason to believe the wooded buffer behind her house would be cleared.
“When we moved in, it was a heavily wooded area,” Alls said. “I never thought in a million years, ‘Oh, they’re just going to come clear the woods behind the house for the billboard.’”
Earlier this month, Alls was surprised to see tree removal crews at work behind her home. She contacted state transportation officials after learning of the project.
“We were not made aware beforehand, and I called the DOT,” Alls said. “It was especially hard knowing they’re tearing down the trees and we can’t do anything to stop it.”
Only a small buffer of trees remains on the edge of her property to block noise and pollution. Alls said she is working with environmental groups and state lawmakers in hopes of changing state policy.
“I just really feel like the billboard needs to cater to the environment, not the environment catering to the billboard,” Alls said. “If I don’t do it. like who’s gonna? I don’t know.”
The owner of the billboard responded to inquiries by sending a permit for a separate billboard project in Plaza Midwood on Tuesday. The company has not responded to questions regarding Alls’ property.
Legal options for impacted property owners are typically limited. Property owners generally do not hold a legal right to a scenic view under state law, though lawsuits for nuisance may be possible if issues such as highway noise become severe enough.