Under the Highway Beautification Act (Lady Bird Johnson Act), federal law requires states control outdoor advertising along interstate and most state highways. This helps protect public investment in highways, promote safety and recreation, and preserve natural beauty. 

Outdoor Advertising 

Advertising Signs 

Anyone who wants to build a sign adjacent to controlled routes in Kansas is required to submit an application to KDOT. More information is available in the Advertising Signs in Kansas brochure. 

• Application for commercial advertising signs 
• Application for directional and official signs – These signs must be owned by official agencies (i.e, city, county, historical society, etc.)  
• Sign transfer application – Application to transfer ownership of a sign license 
• Sign modification application 
• Sign license replacement plate application 

Vegetation Management for Outdoor Advertising Signs 

If an outdoor advertising sign is licensed through KDOT and vegetation on KDOT right-of-way limits its visibility, a permit can be requested to manage the vegetation. 

The following resources provide more information on the application process: 

• Policy on Vegetation Management for Outdoor Advertising Signs 
• Getting Started Information 
• Attachment #1 - Application/Permit for Vegetation Management for Outdoor Advertising Signs (DOT Form 304VM) 
• Attachment #2A - Cut Zone on R/W - Embankment Section 
• Attachment #2B - Cut Zone on R/W - Ditch Section 
• Attachment #3A, 3B, and Instructions - Sign Cut Zone Inventory 
• Attachment #4 - Highway Permits/District and Area Offices 
• Attachment #5 - DOT Maintenance Areas Map 
• Attachment #6 - Standing Permit Use of Right-of-Way (DOT Form 304S)

Salvage Yards 

KDOT regulates the establishment, operations, and maintenance of salvage yards that are within 1,000 feet of any public road in Kansas. KDOT can only certify a salvage location if the local governing body allows.  

The following resources provide information on the Kansas Junkyard and Salvage Control Act and the application process: 

• Kansas Junkyard and Salvage Control Act 
• Kansas Junkyard and Salvage Control Administrative Regulations 
• Junkyard and Salvage Control Act Definitions 
• Application for Salvage and Storage Certificate of Compliance 
• Transfer Application for Adding/Removing Partner or Landowner 
• Screening for Junkyards Policy 

Additional resources related to junkyards and salvage yards:

• Dealing in used salvage motor vehicles and/or used or recycled parts requires a license issued by the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles and requires a certificate of compliance from KDOT.
• Scrap Metal Dealers Register 
• Handling and disposal of waste materials in Kansas

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