Planners back removing billboard stipulation with GDOT coordination

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted July 28 to recommend removing a prior stipulation that prevented a billboard on an 8.25-acre B-2 Highway Business parcel, adding two conditions requiring coordination with the Georgia Department of Transportation on permitting and on future road-widening setbacks.

Applicant Jonathan Jones of Elite Engineering said the proposed sign would be a static (non-digital) billboard located on the northwest corner of the property and that adjacent residential property owners contacted so far have indicated support. Staff noted the county’s B-2 zoning allows billboards subject to distance requirements and said GDOT permitting and the county’s distance standards should both be satisfied. A previously overlooked letter of opposition from nearby property owners was discussed at the commission; commissioners voted 4–1 to approve removing the prior stipulation while adding the two GDOT-related stipulations.

The commission noted that if the billboard falls within a 300-foot radius of residential properties it may require a variance or review by the zoning board of appeals; the applicant said he had identified one affected residence and had secured that occupant’s agreement to support the application.