Billboard Structures
Valuation Guide
2016
(Effective for Tax Year 2016)
North Carolina Department of Revenue
Local Government Division
Property Tax Section
2
Overview
Based on the experience gained with the implementation of the first Billboard Structures
Valuation Guide, we have made revisions to the current manual to reflect the changes in
costs associated with the construction of billboards. We feel these changes will simplify
the valuation process used by the local taxing jurisdictions and enhance the uniformity
and accuracy in the valuation of outdoor advertising for mass appraisal purposes. In this
manual, the base cost has already been determined with the additional improvements
included in the square foot base cost. This cost per square foot has been extended out to
a total value for each specific class with the billboard structure categorized by type of
construction, size, and height above ground level. In addition, a current depreciation
schedule has been provided at the back of the manual. The appraiser will locate the type
and size of each billboard, make any necessary construction adjustments, and then apply
the appropriate depreciation to come up with the billboard value for assessment purposes.
The Billboard Structures Valuation Guide is effective for January 1, 2016. The
methodology is based on current data and is not applicable to prior years. Counties
adopting these schedules should also consider this as a guide for the mass appraisal of
billboards, understanding that it will not cover every possible sign type and configuration.
The appraiser may need to make additional adjustments for location, conditions, and
other structures not covered by these schedules.
The values provided in the classification tables on pages 11 through 16 reflect the cost
conversion factor as determined from the data made available in the Producer Price
Indexes prepared by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This factor will take into
consideration any changes in the cost to construct billboards and will keep the manual
updated on a yearly basis.
An Introduction to Billboards
An outdoor advertising sign in the form of a billboard consists of at least one display
panel and the supporting framework. Billboards may be freestanding, mounted to
buildings, or attached to other structures. Modern billboards conform to engineering
standards and are constructed of steel, while older billboard structures are made of wood
or angle iron frames. A billboard may be smaller than the permitted size. This allows for
the addition of a cutout or extension within the square foot envelope of the permitted
area. Billboards vary in display position and size, but the industry standard display faces
include:
6 ft. x 12 ft. = 72 square feet 10.5 ft. x 36 ft. = 378 square feet
8 ft. x 12 ft. = 96 square feet 12 ft. x 40 ft. = 480 square feet
10 ft. x 22 ft. = 220 square feet 14 ft. x 48 ft. = 672 square feet
10 ft. x 24 ft. = 240 square feet 16 ft. x 60 ft. = 960 square feet
12 ft. x 25 ft. = 300 square feet 20 ft. x 50 ft. = 1,000 square feet
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The typical arrangements of display faces include: single face, back-to-back, or V-build,
side-by-side, stacked, and tri-build configurations.
Billboard companies enter into sales contracts for advertising space on their billboards.
Advertisements are designed and/or produced by a billboard company or an advertising
agency in response to client specifications. Advertising space is often marketed for a
group of billboards rather than for a single billboard. Group sales are called “showings.”
Showings are based on demographic information and are designed to target a market with
a specified level of advertising exposure. The client has no interest in the real property.
Billboard sites are typically leased from an unrelated third party who owns the land or
structure to which the billboard is affixed. The owner of the site generally has no interest
in the billboard structure. A billboard site, the land or structure upon which a billboard is
situated, is generally limited to an area large enough to accommodate the billboard
structure and foundation, as well as enough space to provide for service and maintenance
work.
Valuation of Billboard Structures
As with the appraisal of other property for local tax purposes, the three accepted
approaches to value (income, sales comparison, and replacement cost less depreciation)
should be considered when valuing billboard structures.
The sales comparison approach requires verifiable accurate sales information of
individual billboards. Outdoor advertising structures are generally sold in bulk and the
transfers include ongoing concern and host agreements. These transfers typically are not
recorded on filed deeds; therefore, it may be difficult to obtain information on the sale of
billboards. When information becomes available, an allocation of the sales price for
billboard structures may be necessary.
The income approach requires net operating income to be capitalized into a value for a
specific property. The income realized from the sale of advertising space is business
income that may be difficult to obtain and may include income components that should
not be considered when determining property tax valuation in North Carolina.
Additionally, if the income approach is used, economic rent must be applied. Therefore,
careful consideration and accurate income analysis must be made or the income approach
will not yield reliable results.
Due to the many difficulties inherent in the appraisal of billboards when applying the
sales comparison and the income approach to value, our office recommends that, for
assessment purposes in North Carolina, these structures should be treated as personal
property and appraised using the cost approach. The cost approach provides an efficient
methodology to uniformly value billboard structures. In fact, the use of this manual to
value billboard structures has been supported and affirmed by the North Carolina Court
of Appeals in the Interstate Outdoor Incorporated vs. Johnston County case filed on
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September 16, 2014. The replacement cost less depreciation avoids the complicated
allocation process and other issues associated with the income and sales comparison
approaches. The data contained in this manual is based on information extracted from
material costs, labor, and other integral components of billboard construction. The
valuation of each sign will be determined by calculating the replacement cost new (RCN)
and then deducting depreciation based on an effective age depreciation schedule. The
effective age schedule is provided to assist appraisers in estimating loss in value due to
physical depreciation, functional obsolescence, and economic obsolescence. The
depreciation schedule is based on a 25-year life for wooden structures and a 50-year life
for steel structures. It is recommended that the depreciation not be lowered more than 35
percent remaining good on wood structures and 35 percent remaining good on steel
structures as long as the structure is continuing to produce a viable income stream. For
the vast majority of billboards, no negative or positive adjustment is appropriate for
physical condition. As long as a billboard structure can support a sign face, the physical
condition most likely has little effect on the income stream, and therefore the physical
condition may not be particularly important. Only the worst structures and perhaps the
very best billboards will fall outside of the recommended schedules.
WORKS CITED
“Guidelines for the Assessment of Billboard Properties.” State of California, Board of Equalizatiton: 2002
International Association of Assessing Officers. “The Valuation of Outdoor Advertising Structures.” Assessment Digest, Volume 13,
Number 4, 1991
State of New Jersey, Department of the Treasury, Division of Taxation, Real Property Appraisal Manual of New Jersey Assessor’s, “
Assessment of Billboards.”
Oregon Department of Revenue, Billboard Cost Factors (Off Premise Outdoor Advertising) Revised 2007
Wright, Jeffrey and Paul Wright. Billboard Appraisal: The Valuation of Off-Premise Advertising Signs. United State of America,
2001
This manual is a publication of the North Carolina Department of Revenue, Local
Government Division, Property Tax Section, P.O. Box 871, Raleigh, N.C. 27602. Phone:
919-814-1129, Fax: 919-715-3107.
5
Billboard Categories and Definitions
For assessment purposes, billboards are grouped into 4 structural categories based on the
building materials used and the underlying support system. The four categories include
wood, steel frame, multi-mast steel, and monopole.
CLASS 1 WOOD STRUCTURE
This class of billboards is constructed with wood post or pole supports with dimensional
lumber as the secondary support (A frame) with a wood or metal catwalk and a single
display panel. Supports may be imbedded in the ground. There may be a foundation of
concrete or gravel. Lighting, if present, is either fluorescent or mercury vapor.
CLASS 2 STEEL A-FRAME CONSTRUCTION
This class of billboards is constructed with angle iron or steel supports with metal
framing, catwalk, and a single display panel. Supports may be imbedded in the ground.
There may be a foundation of concrete or gravel. Lighting, if present, is either
fluorescent or mercury vapor.
CLASS 3 MULTI-MAST STRUCTURE
This class of billboards is constructed with steel poles, I-beam or equivalent as primary
support, with a catwalk, and a single display panel. Lighting is fluorescent or mercury
vapor.
CLASS 4 MONOPOLE
This class of billboards is constructed with tubular steel support (of various
circumferences), tubular steel framing, metal catwalk and a single display panel. The
foundation is concrete. Lighting is fluorescent or mercury vapor.
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7
8
9
10
V Built Double Face Back-to-Back Double Face
12' x 25' Triangle / Tri-Built
CLASS 1-WOOD POLE A FRAME CONSTRUCTION
BASE SPECIFICATIONS
1. STRUCTURE - Wood support poles or posts.
2. FOUNDATION - Embedded in ground or equivilent.
3. PLATFORM OR CATWALK -Included in Base.
4. PANELS - Included in Base.
5. APRON - Included in Base.
6. LIGHTING - Included in Base.
7. ADDITIONAL PANELS - None.
TOTAL BASE COST PER STRUCTURE
1A- SINGLE FACE WOOD A FRAME
Size 0-20' HAGL 21-30' HAGL 31-40' HAGL 41-55' HAGL 56-80' HAGL 80+' HAGL
300' $ 6 ,980 $ 7,750 $ 9,290 $ 10,130
378' $ 8 ,180 $ 9,100 $ 10,950 $ 11,770
480' $ 9 ,660 $ 11,370 $ 14,780 $ 15,380
672' $ 1 3,060 $ 15,380 $ 20,040 $ 20,770
1B- DOUBLE FACE WOOD A FRAME
Size 0-20' HAGL 21-30' HAGL 31-40' HAGL 41-55' HAGL 56-80' HAGL 80+' HAGL
300' $ 9 ,100 $ 10,130 $ 12,180 $ 13,120
378' $ 1 0,580 $ 11,770 $ 14,150 $ 15,270
480' $ 1 3,010 $ 15,270 $ 19,830 $ 20,670
672' $ 1 7,660 $ 20,770 $ 26,970 $ 28,000
1C- V BUILT AND SIDE BY SIDE WOOD A FRAME
Size 0-20' HAGL 21-30' HAGL 31-40' HAGL 41-55' HAGL 56-80' HAGL 80+' HAGL
300' $ 1 3,940 $ 15,490 $ 18,600 $ 20,140
378' $ 1 6,370 $ 18,170 $ 21,790 $ 23,660
480' $ 1 9,320 $ 22,720 $ 29,550 $ 30,680
672' $ 2 6,200 $ 30,780 $ 39,980 $ 41,530
CONSTRUCTION ADJUSTMENTS
See worksheet for construction adjustments
11
CLASS 2- STEEL A FRAME CONSTRUCTION
BASE SPECIFICATIONS
1. STRUCTURE - Steel pole, angle iron, I beam or equivalent as primary support.
2. FOUNDATION - Concrete gravel or equivalent.
3. PLATFORM OR CATWALK -Included in Base.
4. PANELS - Included in Base.
5. APRON - Included in Base.
6. LIGHTING - Included in Base.
7. ADDITIONAL PANELS - None.
TOTAL BASE COST PER STRUCTURE
2A- SINGLE FACE A FRAME STEEL
Size 0-20' HAGL 21-30' HAGL 31-40' HAGL 41-55' HAGL 56-80' HAGL 80+' HAGL
300' $ 1 7,950 $ 19,950 $ 23,750
378' $ 1 8,770 $ 22,080 $ 28,300
2B- DOUBLE FACE A FRAME STEEL
Size 0-20' HAGL 21-30' HAGL 31-40' HAGL 41-55' HAGL 56-80' HAGL 80+' HAGL
300' $ 2 4,210 $ 26,910 $ 32,040
378' $ 2 6,370 $ 31,030 $ 39,770
2C- V BUILT A FRAME STEEL
Size 0-20' HAGL 21-30' HAGL 31-40' HAGL 41-55' HAGL 56-80' HAGL 80+' HAGL
300' $ 3 5,840 $ 39,830 $ 47,430
378' $ 3 7,520 $ 44,160 $ 56,610
CONSTRUCTION ADJUSTMENTS
See worksheet for construction adjustments
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CLASS 3- MULTI MAST STEEL
BASE SPECIFICATIONS
1. STRUCTURE - Steel pole, angle iron, I beam or equivalent as primary support.
2. FOUNDATION - Concrete gravel or equivalent.
3. PLATFORM OR CATWALK -Included in Base.
4. PANELS - Included in Base.
5. APRON - Included in Base.
6. LIGHTING - Included in Base.
7. ADDITIONAL PANELS - None.
TOTAL BASE COST PER STRUCTURE
3A- SINGLE FACE MULTI MAST STEEL
Size 0-20' HAGL 21-30' HAGL 31-40' HAGL 41-55' HAGL 56-80' HAGL 80+' HAGL
300' $ 2 1,380 $ 23,750 $ 28,280
378' $ 2 5,460 $ 28,300 $ 33,690
480' $ 2 9,570 $ 32,840 $ 39,110
672' $ 3 5,130 $ 39,050 $ 46,490
3B- DOUBLE FACE MULTI MAST STEEL
Size 0-20' HAGL 21-30' HAGL 31-40' HAGL 41-55' HAGL 56-80' HAGL 80+' HAGL
300' $ 2 8,890 $ 32,110 $ 38,230 $ 45,510
378' $ 3 4,750 $ 38,620 $ 45,970 $ 54,720
480' $ 3 9,370 $ 43,730 $ 52,070 $ 61,990
672' $ 4 6,230 $ 51,370 $ 61,150 $ 72,810
3C- V BUILT MULTI MAST STEEL
Size 0-20' HAGL 21-30' HAGL 31-40' HAGL 41-55' HAGL 56-80' HAGL 80+' HAGL
300' $ 3 4,750 $ 38,620 $ 45,970 $ 54,720
378' $ 4 2,800 $ 47,560 $ 56,610 $ 67,390
480' $ 4 8,580 $ 53,970 $ 64,250 $ 76,510
672' $ 5 7,800 $ 64,200 $ 76,450 $ 90,990
CONSTRUCTION ADJUSTMENTS
See worksheet for construction adjustments
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CLASS 4- STEEL MONOPOLE CONSTRUCTION
BASE SPECIFICATIONS
1. STRUCTURE - Tubular Steel Supports.
2. FOUNDATION - Poured concrete.
3. PLATFORM OR CATWALK -Included in Base.
4. PANELS - Included in Base.
5. APRON - Included in Base.
6. LIGHTING - Included in Base.
7. ADDITIONAL PANELS - None.
TOTAL BASE COST PER STRUCTURE
4A- SINGLE POLE SINGLE FACE CENTER MOUNTED MONOPOLE
Size 0-20' HAGL 21-30' HAGL 31-40' HAGL 41-55' HAGL 56-80' HAGL 80+' HAGL
300' $ 2 3,300 $ 25,720 $ 30,580 $ 35,430 $ 45,140 $ -
378' $ 2 4,430 $ 28,500 $ 36,680 $ 44,830 $ 61,150 $ -
480' $ 3 5,710 $ 39,370 $ 46,690 $ 54,020 $ 68,800 $ -
672' $ 4 7,580 $ 51,340 $ 58,890 $ 66,430 $ 81,600 $ 95,040
960' $ 5 6,970 $ 60,750 $ 68,290 $ 75,820 $ 91,000 $ 111,770
1000' $ 6 2,960 $ 66,720 $ 74,270 $ 81,810 $ 97,000 $ 117,750
4B- SINGLE POLE SINGLE FACE PARTIAL FLAG MONOPOLE
Size 0-20' HAGL 21-30' HAGL 31-40' HAGL 41-55' HAGL 56-80' HAGL 80+' HAGL
300' $ 2 4,220 $ 26,760 $ 31,800 $ 36,890 $ 46,900 $ -
378' $ 2 5,510 $ 29,760 $ 38,230 $ 46,690 $ 63,640 $ -
480' $ 3 7,090 $ 40,920 $ 48,560 $ 56,200 $ 71,570 $ -
672' $ 4 9,210 $ 53,220 $ 61,150 $ 69,100 $ 84,920 $ 98,750
960' $ 5 9,040 $ 63,010 $ 70,980 $ 78,910 $ 94,730 $ 116,300
1000' $ 6 5,240 $ 69,210 $ 77,160 $ 85,120 $ 100,830 $ 122,520
4C- SINGLE POLE SINGLE FACE FULL FLAG MONOPOLE
Size 25' HAGL 40' HAGL 50' HAGL 70' HAGL 100' HAGL
300' $ 3 6,330 $ 38,100 $ 44,420 $ - $ - $ -
378' $ 3 8,280 $ 42,360 $ 50,510 $ 58,680 $ 74,990 $ -
480' $ 5 2,230 $ 55,470 $ 61,990 $ 68,490 $ 81,700 $ -
672' $ 5 6,300 $ 60,130 $ 67,760 $ 75,410 $ 90,610 $ 104,860
960' $ 6 5,860 $ 69,630 $ 77,160 $ 84,700 $ 99,900 $ 121,690
1000' $ 7 3,090 $ 76,750 $ 84,090 $ 91,430 $ 105,890 $ 128,720
CONSTRUCTION ADJUSTMENTS
See worksheet for construction adjustments
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CLASS 4- STEEL MONOPOLE CONSTRUCTION (CONTINUED)
BASE SPECIFICATIONS
1. STRUCTURE - Tubular Steel Supports.
2. FOUNDATION - Poured concrete.
3. PLATFORM OR CATWALK -Included in Base.
4. PANELS - Included in Base.
5. APRON - Included in Base.
6. LIGHTING - Included in Base.
7. ADDITIONAL PANELS - None.
TOTAL BASE COST PER STRUCTURE
4D- SINGLE POLE DOUBLE & V FACE CENTER MOUNTED MONOPOLE
Size 0-20' HAGL 21-30' HAGL 31-40' HAGL 41-55' HAGL 56-80' HAGL 80+' HAGL
300' $ 3 4,070 $ 35,970 $ 39,770 $ - $ - $ -
378' $ 3 7,090 $ 39,150 $ 43,280 $ 47,430 $ 55,790 $ -
480' $ 4 3,090 $ 46,800 $ 54,250 $ 61,670 $ 76,450 $ -
672' $ 5 1,690 $ 55,690 $ 63,640 $ 71,570 $ 87,580 $ 105,360
960' $ 6 0,370 $ 64,670 $ 73,240 $ 81,810 $ 98,970 $ 121,690
1000' $ 6 6,270 $ 70,560 $ 79,120 $ 87,700 $ 104,860 $ 127,680
4E- SINGLE POLE DOUBLE & V FACE PARTIAL FLAG MONOPOLE
Size 0-20' HAGL 21-30' HAGL 31-40' HAGL 41-55' HAGL 56-80' HAGL 80+' HAGL
300' $ 3 5,350 $ 37,340 $ 41,310 $ - $ - $ -
378' $ 3 8,530 $ 40,700 $ 45,040 $ 49,380 $ 58,050 $ -
480' $ 4 4,770 $ 48,660 $ 56,400 $ 64,140 $ 79,550 $ -
672' $ 5 3,550 $ 57,760 $ 66,120 $ 74,470 $ 91,110 $ 125,920
960' $ 6 2,800 $ 67,250 $ 76,130 $ 85,020 $ 102,890 $ 145,560
1000' $ 6 9,000 $ 73,440 $ 82,340 $ 91,200 $ 109,090 $ 152,570
4F- SINGLE POLE DOUBLE & V FACE FULL FLAG MONOPOLE
Size 0-20' HAGL 21-30' HAGL 31-40' HAGL 41-55' HAGL 56-80' HAGL 80+' HAGL
300' $ 4 7,820 $ 49,670 $ 53,350 $ - $ - $ -
378' $ 5 2,120 $ 54,130 $ 58,160 $ 62,190 $ 70,340 $ -
480' $ 5 2,470 $ 56,920 $ 65,800 $ 74,690 $ 92,570 $ -
672' $ 5 7,190 $ 61,990 $ 71,570 $ 81,200 $ 100,510 $ 115,180
960' $ 7 0,460 $ 74,690 $ 83,150 $ 91,640 $ 108,870 $ 133,680
1000' $ 7 5,720 $ 80,160 $ 89,030 $ 97,920 $ 115,800 $ 140,590
CONSTRUCTION ADJUSTMENTS
See worksheet for construction adjustments
15
CLASS 4- STEEL MONOPOLE CONSTRUCTION (CONTINUED)
BASE SPECIFICATIONS
1. STRUCTURE - Tubular Steel Supports.
2. FOUNDATION - Poured concrete.
3. PLATFORM OR CATWALK -Included in Base.
4. PANELS - Included in Base.
5. APRON - Included in Base.
6. LIGHTING - Included in Base.
7. ADDITIONAL PANELS - None.
TOTAL BASE COST PER STRUCTURE
4G- TRI-SIDED CENTER MOUNTED
Size 25' HAGL 40' HAGL 50' HAGL 70' HAGL 100' HAGL
300'
378'
480'
672' $ 108,870 $ - $ 140,590 $ 198,850
960'
1000'
4H- TRI-SIDED STACKED CENTER MOUNTED
Size 25' HAGL 40' HAGL 50' HAGL 70' HAGL 100' HAGL
300'
378'
480'
672' $ 101,760
960'
1000'
CONSTRUCTION ADJUSTMENTS
See worksheet for construction adjustments
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Billboard Valuation Worksheet
Total Base Cost of Structure ____________________
Construction Adjustments
Stacked Displays—Add 25% +___________________
No Illumination—Deduct 5% -____________________
Replacement Cost New (RCN) =___________________
Less Depreciation (100% - Percent Good from
Depreciation Schedule) -____________________
Less Additional Adjustments (if needed)
Physical Depreciation -____________________
Functional Obsolescence -____________________
Economic Obsolescence -____________________
BILLBOARD VALUE =___________________
Special Information
Stacked Displays – Up to two display panels are included in the base cost per structure
as indicated in the tables. For billboard structures with more than 2 display panels, where
the panels are stacked one on top of the other, add 25% of the indicated value back into
that value to account for the additional construction costs.
Side-by-Side Displays – Where the billboard structure configuration is indicated to be
horizontally side-by-side and of steel construction, appraise this constructed arrangement
as one billboard structure. Add the square footage of the faces together to determine the
size of the structure.
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Electronic/Digital, Tri-Fold, and Tri-Vision Sign Appraisal
Methodology
County appraisers should utilize a three-part process when
appraising Electronic/Digital, Tri-Fold, and Tri-Vision billboard
sign structures.
1. Take the descriptive information about the sign from the I-1
listing form schedule and then determine the base cost using the
cost tables in this manual. Then apply the percent good factor
from the depreciation schedule on page 31 to the base cost to arrive
at the value of the sign structure itself.
2. Take the cost of the display face equipment from the I-1 listing
form schedule and apply the I-8 depreciation schedule (found on
page 30) percent good factor to that cost figure. This action
provides the value of the sign face equipment.
3. Add together the sign structure value and the sign face
equipment value to obtain the grand total value of the billboard
sign.
See Example #3 given on page 20 which utilizes the above
methodology for valuing these types of billboard signs.
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Examples of How to Appraise a Billboard Structure
Refer to sample schedule I-1 on page 22 for data needed for the
understanding of the examples which follow:
Example #1
Using Page 11 in the manual, the description shows a 1-C Side-
By-Side Wood “A” Frame Structure at a 25’ HAGL with the
largest panel face at 300 square feet. The structure has 4 panel
faces and is in a side-by-side configuration. The panel faces are
not illuminated (lighted) and the structure was originally built in
2005.
The base cost using the data provided indicates an amount of
$15,490. Because there are 2 additional panel faces, the appraiser
must add 25% to the base cost. So, $15,490 + $3,873 (25% of
$15,490 = $3,873 rounded) = $19,363. Because the structure is not
illuminated, the appraiser must subtract 5% from the total cost of
$19,363. So, $19,363 - $968 (5% of $19,363 = $968 rounded) =
$18,395. The year of original construction was 2005, so the sign is
11 years old for the 2016 listing of this asset. From the
depreciation table on page 31 of the manual, a wood constructed
billboard structure that is 11 years old, has a 56% good factor of
value remaining, or 44% depreciation applied to the adjusted base
cost. So, the appraiser applies 44% depreciation to $18,395 (44%
of $18,395 = $8,094) by subtracting $8,094 for a final appraised
value of $10,301.
Example #2
Using page 13 in the manual, the description shows a 3-B Double
Face Multi Mast Steel Structure at a 40’ HAGL with the largest
panel face at 378 square feet. The structure has 4 panel faces and
is in a stacked configuration. The panel faces are illuminated
(lighted) and the structure was originally built in 2008.
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The base cost for the data provided indicates an amount of
$45,970. Because there are 2 additional faces and the structure is
in a stacked configuration, the appraiser must add 25% to the base
cost. So, $45,970 + $11,493 (25% of $45,970 = $11,493) =
$57,463. The cost for illumination (lighting) has already been
included in the base cost so no additional reduction in cost is
necessary. The year of original construction was 2008, so the sign
is 8 years old for the 2016 listing of this asset. From the
depreciation table on page 31 of the manual, a steel constructed
billboard structure that is 8 years old, has a 84% good factor of
value remaining, or 16% depreciation applied to the adjusted base
cost. So, the appraiser applies 16% depreciation to $57,463 (16%
of $57,463 = $9,194) by subtracting $9,194 for a final appraised
value of $48,269.
Example #3
This is an example of how to appraise a billboard structure that has
either a digital sign face or a tri-vision/tri-fold sign face:
Using page 14 in the manual, the description shows a 4-A Single
Pole Single Face Center Mounted Monopole Structure at a 40’
HAGL with the panel face at 378 square feet. The panel face has a
cost of $150,000 due to being a digital or tri-vision constructed
component and the panel face is illuminated (lighted).
The base cost for the data provided indicates an amount of
$36,680. The cost for illumination (lighting) has already been
included in the base cost so no additional reduction in cost is
necessary. The year of original construction was 2009, so the sign
is 7 years old for the 2016 listing of this asset. From the
depreciation table on page 31 of the manual, a steel constructed
billboard structure that is 7 years old, has an 86% good factor of
value remaining, or 14% depreciation applied to the adjusted base
cost. So, the appraiser applies 14% depreciation to $36,680 (14%
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of $36,680 = $5,135) by subtracting $5,135 for an adjusted value
attributable to the structure of $31,545.
Next, the $150,000 cost reported by the sign owner is depreciated
using the I-8 Schedule from the 2015 North Carolina Department
of Revenue Cost Index & Depreciation Schedules. This
depreciation schedule is listed on page 30 in this guide book and
on page 21 of the 2015 Cost Index & Depreciation Schedules
document and it has a 25% good factor of value remaining in the
7th year. Therefore, 75% depreciation is applied to the sign face
cost reported by the owner. So, the appraiser applies 75%
depreciation to $150,000 (75% of $150,000 = $112,500) by
subtracting $112,500 for an adjusted value attributable to the sign
face of $37,500.
The last step is to combine the adjusted value of the sign structure
with the adjusted value of the sign face. So, by adding the
structure value of $31,545 to the sign face value of $37,500 gives a
final appraised value of $69,045.
Business Name ________________________________________Account_________________County___________________Year_________
SCHEDULE I-1 BILLBOARDS - OUTDOOR ADVERTISING STRUCTURES
Panel Numbers
DOT
Permit
Number Location City/District/None
Build
Date
Class
and
Type
HAGL
Feet
Display
Face Sq.
Ft.
Stacked
Display?
(Y or N)
Side-By-Side
Display?
(Y or N)
Illuminated?
(Y or N)
Original Display
Face Equipment
Cost for
Electronic/Digital
or Tri-Vision
County
Identification
Number
EXAMPLE
#1 306, 307, 308, 309 078-368 US 701 Bypass, 300' N/O Hwy 130 Holly Springs 2005 1C 25 300 N Y N
#2 510, 511, 512, 513 078-229 1302 S. Madison St. Apex 2008 3B 40 378 Y N Y
#3 4402 078-520 SR 130, 1 mile E/O US 64 Knightdale 2009 4A 40 378 N N Y 150,000
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Billboard Structures Definitions
Additional Panels: For purposes of appraisal in the Billboard
Structures Valuation Guide, up to two sign panels are included in
the base cost per structure as indicated in the tables. More than
two sign panels (additional panels) on one structure would require
a positive adjustment in the valuation of the total structure.
Apron: Decorative trim at the bottom of the billboard sign where
a billboard company logo is typically displayed.
Back-To-Back: Billboard structure configurations where two
display panel faces are parallel to one another such that the backs
of the advertising (back view) face each other. The advertising on
each panel of the billboard structure faces in opposite directions.
Base Cost Per Structure: All of the component costs related to
the construction of the billboard structure itself such as material
costs, labor, permit fees, freight costs, engineering costs, and
installation costs. This is not a conclusive list, but it is provided to
indicate that all costs whether direct or indirect are included in the
base cost amount unless specifically noted.
Base Index Year: For purposes of appraisal in the Billboard
Structures Valuation Guide, the year 2009 has been established as
the base index year from which all increases or decreases to the
construction costs of erecting a billboard is determined.
Billboard: A large panel or flat surface that is intended for
viewing an advertisement or notice from extended distances and is
typically constructed of wooden posts or steel beams.
Catwalk: The platform located underneath the sign face, either in
front or in back of the billboard sign, used as support for the
maintenance crew.
24
Center Mount: Steel monopole structure in which the supporting
column is affixed to the center of the display panel.
Cost Conversion Factor: A factor that represents the percentage
price increase or decrease of a cost amount over a previous 12-
month period after establishing a base index year.
Cut Outs: The portions of the panel display which are attached to
or cut out from the face in order to emphasize a certain figure and
draw the attention of the sign reader.
Depreciation Schedule: A valuation table that calculates the
product of a trending factor and a straight-line depreciation factor
to arrive at the replacement cost new less depreciation. The
percentage amounts are also known as the percent good factors.
Digital Display: Light emitting diode panel faces that are
internally illuminated matrix displays constructed with tiny silicon
chips that are capable of producing light in a variety of colors.
Display Face (Panel): The flat area normally rectangular in shape
where the advertisement is displayed.
Double Face: A billboard structure that has two display panels,
also known as back-to-back configuration, which are parallel to
each other and facing in opposite directions.
Economic Obsolescence: A loss in remaining value due to
reasons external to the property.
Extension: A part of the advertisement display that extends
beyond the typical rectangular face in order to create better visual
impact.
25
Flag Mount: A steel monopole structure in which the supporting
column is affixed to the left or the right of the center of the display
panel.
Footings: The concrete pad sunk into the ground which is used to
solidify the structure keeping it in an upright position.
Foundation: The material used at the base of a billboard structure
to keep the structure in an upright position. The foundation could
be the natural soil composition, poured in gravel, or poured in
concrete.
Functional Obsolescence: A reduction in functional capacity or
efficiency that impacts the value of the property which is caused
by factors inherent in the property itself.
Height Above Ground Level (HAGL): The distance in feet from
the ground level to the lowest edge of the bottom molding of the
billboard display face (panel).
Illumination: Light fixtures attached to a sign so that the message
is visible in hours of darkness.
Leased Billboard Site: The location where a billboard structure is
erected that is typically owned by an unrelated third party who
receives rental income through a contract with the billboard owner.
Lighting: Fixtures attached to the billboard structure that provides
illumination during hours of darkness.
Molding: Decorative frame surrounding the printed message on
the display face.
Multi-Mast Steel: A billboard structure that is constructed with
several steel poles or I-beam steel supports.
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Panel (Display Face): The flat area normally rectangular in shape
where the advertisement is displayed.
Physical Depreciation: The loss in value due to physical wear
and tear.
Replacement Cost New (RCN): The cost to replace the utility of
a property with new construction using the best available materials
and construction methodology.
Side-By-Side: A type of billboard configuration where two faces
are arranged together in a horizontal line, one beside the other,
with both display panels facing in the same direction.
Single Face: A billboard structure that has one display panel
facing in one direction.
Stacked Display: Billboard structure that contains multiple
display panels which are set above one another in a vertical
configuration.
Steel A-Frame: A billboard structure that is constructed with
angle iron or steel supports with metal framing and a single display
panel. The supports are imbedded in the ground at an angle that
resembles the letter “A”.
Steel Monopole: A billboard structure that is constructed with a
single tubular steel support imbedded in a concrete footing pad.
Stringers: Wooden or steel braces attached to the back of a
billboard panel that functions to support the display face. These
are also known as cross-members.
Triangle or Tri-Built: A billboard structure having three display
panels arranged in the shape of a triangle with each panel facing in
a different direction.
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Tri-Vision or Tri-Fold: A type of billboard structure where the
panel display face is made with triangular louvered narrow vertical
panels that periodically rotate to display three different advertising
messages in a predetermined sequence.
Uprights (Supports): Vertical posts, pipes or beams, mounted
into the ground that keep a billboard structure in an erect position.
V-Built: A billboard structure having two or more display panels
that are not parallel to each other, facing in opposite directions
where the configuration resembles the letter “V”.
Wood Pole A-Frame: A billboard structure that is constructed
with wooden post supports and a single display panel. The
supports are imbedded in the ground at an angle that resembles the
letter “A”.
Business Name ________________________________________Account_________________County___________________Year_________
SCHEDULE I-1 BILLBOARDS - OUTDOOR ADVERTISING STRUCTURES
Panel Numbers
DOT
Permit
Number Location City/District/None
Build
Date
Class
and
Type
HAGL
Feet
Display
Face Sq.
Ft.
Stacked
Display?
(Y or N)
Side-By-Side
Display?
(Y or N)
Illuminated?
(Y or N)
Original Display
Face Equipment
Cost for
Electronic/Digital
or Tri-Vision
County
Identification
Number
28
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Billboards and Outdoor Advertising Structures
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29
2016 Cost Index and Depreciation Schedules
State of North Carolina Page 21
Department of Revenue Effective 1/1/2016
Property Tax Section
Schedules H, I, Valuation Table
Historical (Original) Cost
Percent Good Factors
Schedule H Schedule I
Year Trend Life Trend Life
Acq'd Age Factor 4 5 10 20 Factor 5 8 10 12
2015 1 1.00 75 80 90 95 1.00 80 87 90 92
2014 2 1.01 51 61 81 91 1.00 60 75 80 83
2013 3 1.02 26 41 71 87 1.00 40 63 70 75
2012 4 1.03 25 25 62 82 1.01 25 51 61 68
2011 5 1.04 52 78 1.00 37 50 58
2010 6 1.07 43 75 1.00 25 40 50
2009 7 1.08 32 70 1.00 30 42
2008 8 1.09 25 65 0.98 25 32
2007 9 1.13 62 0.97 25
2006 10 1.14 57 0.96
2005 11 1.18 53 0.96
2004 12 1.20 48 0.96
2003 13 1.22 43 0.94
2002 14 1.22 37 0.95
2001 15 1.22 31 0.95
2000 16 1.22 25 0.96
1999 17 1.22 0.97
1998 18 1.22 0.98
Do not apply the trend factors to the percent good factors. The
percent good factors already have the trend factors incorporated.
This is true for all schedules in this manual.
30
31
BILLBOARD DEPRECIATION SCHEDULE
EFFECTIVE AGE 25 YEAR LIFE 50 YEAR LIFE
(in years) (wood) (steel)
1 96% 98%
2 92% 96%
3 88% 94%
4 84% 92%
5 80% 90%
6 76% 88%
7 72% 86%
8 68% 84%
9 64% 82%
10 60% 80%
11 56% 78%
12 52% 76%
13 48% 74%
14 44% 72%
15 40% 70%
16 36% 68%
17 35% 66%
18 35% 64%
19 35% 62%
20 35% 60%
21 35% 58%
22 35% 56%
23 35% 54%
24 35% 52%
25 35% 50%
26 48%
27 46%
28 44%
29 42%
30 40%
31 38%
32 36%
33 35%
34 35%
35 35%
36 35%
37 35%
38 35%
39 35%
40 35%
41 35%
42 35%
43 35%
44 35%
45 35%
46 35%
47 35%
48 35%
49 35%
50 35%