Rule 672-6-.03 - Requirement of a Permit(1) Signs Requiring a Permit: (a) Conforming Signs. The following are required to obtain a permit prior to the construction or erection of a sign, and for the continued maintenance of signs authorized by O.C.G.A. §§ 32-6-72(1),(4),(5), and 32-6-73(1): 1. Signs within 660 feet of the nearest edge of the right of way of all controlled routes and visible from the main traveled way which are:(i) Directional and other official signs and notices as defined by O.C.G.A. § 32-7-71(2) and (13);(ii) Outdoor Advertising signs in zoned commercial or industrial areas which provide information in the specific interest of the traveling public;(iii) Outdoor Advertising signs in unzoned commercial or industrial areas which provide information in the specific interest to the traveling public.2. Signs beyond 660 feet from the nearest edge of right-of-way of all controlled routes and visible from the main traveled way outside of urban areas, and are: (i) Directional and other official signs and notices as defined by O.C.G.A. § 32-6-71(2) and (13).(b) Nonconforming Signs. Signs which were lawfully erected but do not comply with the provisions of State law or regulations due to changes in State law, changes in rules and regulations or changed conditions beyond the control of the sign owner since the erection date of the sign are required to obtain a permit for their continued maintenance. For all such signs, on or after March 24, 1980, an application for a nonconforming permit must be filed with the Georgia Department of Transportation in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 32-6-79(e).(c) Routes Added to Controlled System. Signs that were erected on roads or highways on routes which were subsequently added to the primary system are required to file an application for a permit within sixty (60) days of written notification by the Department. In such instances, those signs that meet the requirements for a conforming sign will be issued a conforming permit. All other signs will be issued nonconforming permits.(d) No permitted sign may imitate or give the appearance of an "official" highway sign.(2) Signs that do not require a Georgia Department of Transportation permit: (a) Signs authorized by O.C.G.A. §§ 32-6-72(2) and 32-6-73(2), which advertise the sale or lease of the property upon which they are located; provided that the message only consist of "This Property For Sale" or some facsimile thereto; phone number and address of the seller or renter. The name or logo of the agent, seller or renter may be displayed but must comprise an area no greater than 25% of the total area of the sign. Signs advertising vacant land or commercial properties must include a plat or brief description of the property.(b) Signs authorized by O.C.G.A. §§ 32-6-72(3) and 32-6-73(3), provided that all signs as defined by such provisions, meet the following criteria:1. The sign must be located within one hundred (100) feet of the activity advertised by the sign. The distance from the sign to the activity shall be measured by the shortest straight line distance from the sign to the nearest regularly used building, parking lot, driveway, storage or processing area, or other area physically used in a manner necessary to, or customarily incident to, the activity and contiguous to the activity;2. The following will not be considered as use of an area in a manner necessary to, or customarily incident to, the activity:(i) Any activity unrelated to the advertised activity;(ii) Any activity which, although carried on as a part of the advertised activity, serves no reasonable or integrated purpose to the activity;(iii) Any activity which could reasonably be conducted within a reasonable proximity to the advertised activity but which is separated by some distance, especially where such activity is located at or near the end of a narrow strip of land contiguous to the highway right-of-way; and(iv) Narrow strips of landscaped area along the highway right-of-way.3. The sign must be on the same property on which the advertised activity is located. The following will not be considered to be the same property:(i) Tracts of land held in different estates or interests;(ii) Tracts of land separated by a public road, a railroad, or a river; and(iii) Tracts of land not under common ownership.4. The word "activity" for the purpose of this part shall be defined as the name of the place of business or attraction and may include a description of the goods or services that are available at that location by name.(c) Signs beyond 660 feet from the nearest edge of the rights-of-way on all controlled routes which are also inside of urban areas.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 672-6-.03
O.C.G.A. Secs. 32-2-2, 32-6-90, 50-13-4.
Original Rule entitled "Requirement of a Permit" adopted. F. Dec. 2, 1976; eff. Dec. 22, 1976.Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Sept. 24, 1980; eff. Oct. 14, 1980.Amended: F. Dec. 4, 1986; eff. Dec. 24, 1986.Amended: F. July 15, 1988; eff. August 4, 1988.Amended: F. Sept. 15, 1988; eff. Oct. 5, 1988.Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Feb. 22, 2005; eff. Mar. 14, 2005.Amended: F. Mar. 19, 2012; eff. Apr. 8, 2012.