Resident disputes legality and safety of Titus Mountain sign near Johnston Road intersection

Christopher Fountain addressed the Board alleging the Titus Mountain roadside sign at the Johnston Road intersection is not a lawful nonconforming use because it was placed without a required building permit before 1974 and was later moved without authorization. Fountain presented photographs (including one from the early 2000s) and a video showing traffic conflicts; he said the sign and a tall hedge obstruct visibility and recounted a video of a truck and tractor-trailer nearly colliding. He proposed relocating the sign about 200 feet away on the opposite side of the road to eliminate the zoning violations and safety risk.

Superintendent Michael Andrews noted that Deputy Superintendent John Manley could attest to the intersection’s hazardous nature; Andrews and Manley described sight-line issues at the corner. Councilor Jody Johnson said the sign’s placement also risks Mr. Fountain’s property because vehicles attempting to avoid collisions could enter his land. Supervisor Andrea Stewart said permits were not required in 1974; Fountain replied that Titus Mountain opened in 1980 and therefore an original permit should have been required. The Board did not take formal enforcement action during the meeting.