Council approves Peach State Truck Centers signs, clears way for 140,000‑square‑foot facility

The Villa Rica City Council on July 8 approved 10 variances to the city’s sign code for Peach State Truck Centers, clearing the way for the company’s 148,000‑square‑foot truck sales, parts and maintenance campus near I‑20 and Edge Road.

The variances covered wall signs, wayfinding and directional signs, a monument sign and a pole (pylon) sign designed to be visible from the interstate. Interim Community Development Director Brecka Carter told the council that four of the requested variances fit the city’s allowed 20% increase for variances and that Planning and Zoning had recommended approval of nine of the 10 requests.

Greg Allheart, chief operating officer for Peach State Truck Centers, said the company is building what he described as a “flagship property” and asked the council to consider the facility’s unusually large scale when weighing sign sizes. “For the right scope and the right scale of the sign to sit on that wall,” Allheart said in the meeting, “the architectural firm suggested the 43‑by‑9 foot sign.”

Allheart also said the dealership expects roughly 60 employees initially and the possibility of more than 70 additional jobs as the operation grows. He described the business as family owned, representing Freightliner, Western Star and related commercial brands.

Council members who spoke during the discussion cited site visibility and public safety when supporting larger wayfinding signs for truck drivers. Councilmember comments noted that tractor‑trailer sight lines sit higher than passenger vehicles and that clear internal directional signage reduces the need for trucks to turn on local streets.

During the public hearing several residents spoke in favor of the development and of the retaining‑wall sign in particular, saying a sign would be preferable to a plain retaining wall. After public comment, a council member moved to approve “all 10 variance requests.” Another council member seconded the motion; the council voted unanimously in favor.

Staff and the applicant also noted traffic mitigation commitments tied to the project, including future signal improvements at the Edge Road/Liberty Road intersection and additional directional signage requested by staff to reduce truck traffic on neighborhood streets. Carter said staff would continue coordination with Georgia Department of Transportation and Douglas County on traffic controls.

What’s next: Peach State will proceed with final permitting and installation of the approved signs. Any changes beyond the approved variances would require further council action or a new variance request.