reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 3 - CONTROL OF SIGNS AND SIGNALS (§§ 32-6-50 — 32-6-97) › Part 2 - STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM (§§ 32-6-70 — 32-6-97) › Section 32-6-70 - Declaration of policy

(a)
The General Assembly declares it to be the policy of this state that the erection or maintenance of outdoor advertising in areas adjacent to the rights of way of roads of the state highway system, which roads are also a part of the interstate and primary systems of highways within the state, shall be regulated in accordance with the terms of this part and the regulations promulgated by the commissioner pursuant thereto and that all outdoor advertising which does not conform to the requirements of this part is a public nuisance. The General Assembly recognizes that the outdoor advertising industry is a bona fide commercial function. However, in no manner shall any outdoor advertising sign be defined as a commercial or industrial activity or be used for the purposes of administering this part. It is the intention of the General Assembly to provide a statutory basis for the regulation of outdoor advertising, such basis to be consistent with the public policy relating to areas adjacent to roads of the state highway system which also form a part of the interstate and primary systems of highways declared by the Congress in Title 23, Section 103, United States Code.
(b)
The General Assembly further declares it to be the policy of this state to avert substantial economic hardship by the retention, in specific areas defined by the board, upon request made by the Department of Transportation and approved by the United States Secretary of Transportation, of directional signs, displays, and devices which were lawfully erected under state law in force at the time of their erection, which were in existence on May 5, 1976, and which do not conform to the requirements of paragraphs (1) through (5) of Code Section
32-6-72
and paragraphs (1) through (3) of Code Section
32-6-73
, where it can be demonstrated that such signs, displays, and devices (1) provide directional information about goods and services in the specific interest of the traveling public and (2) are such that removal would work a substantial economic hardship in such defined area.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 3 - CONTROL OF SIGNS AND SIGNALS (§§ 32-6-50 — 32-6-97) › Part 2 - STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM (§§ 32-6-70 — 32-6-97) › Section 32-6-72 - Designation of outdoor advertising which may be erected or maintained within 660 feet of nearest edge of right of way

No outdoor advertising shall be erected or maintained within 660 feet of the nearest edge of the right of way and visible from the main traveled way of the interstate or primary highways in this state, except the following:
(1)
Directional and other official signs and notices;
(2)
Signs advertising the sale or lease of the property upon which they are located;
(3)
Signs advertising activities conducted or maintained within 100 feet of the nearest part of the activity as the dimensions of said activity are determined by department regulations, which regulations need not take into consideration the property lines of said activity;
(4)
Signs located in areas zoned commercial or industrial, which signs provide information in the specific interest of the traveling public;
(5)
Signs located in unzoned commercial or industrial areas, which signs provide information in the specific interest of the traveling public; and
(6)
Directional signs, displays, and devices about goods and services in the specific interest of the traveling public located in a defined area or areas approved by the United States Secretary of Transportation.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 3 - CONTROL OF SIGNS AND SIGNALS (§§ 32-6-50 — 32-6-97) › Part 2 - STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM (§§ 32-6-70 — 32-6-97) › Section 32-6-73 - Designation of outdoor advertising which may be erected or maintained beyond 660 feet of nearest edge of right of way

No outdoor advertising shall be erected or maintained beyond 660 feet of the nearest edge of the right of way of the interstate or primary highways in this state outside of urban areas so as to be visible and intended to be read from the main traveled way, except the following:
(1)
Directional and other official signs and notices;
(2)
Signs advertising the sale or lease of the property upon which they are located;
(3)
Signs advertising activities conducted or maintained within 100 feet from the nearest part of the activity as the dimensions of said activity are determined by department regulations, which regulations need not take into consideration the property lines of said activity; and
(4)
Directional signs, displays, and devices about goods and services in the specific interest of the traveling public located in a defined area or areas approved by the United States Secretary of Transportation.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 3 - CONTROL OF SIGNS AND SIGNALS (§§ 32-6-50 — 32-6-97) › Part 2 - STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM (§§ 32-6-70 — 32-6-97) › Section 32-6-75.2 - Roadside Enhancement and Beautification Fund; dedication of certain revenues

There is established a special fund to be known as the "Roadside Enhancement and Beautification Fund." This fund shall consist of all moneys collected under Code Section
32-6-75.3
, any appropriations by the General Assembly to the fund, revenues derived from the sale of any special and distinctive wildflower motor vehicle license plates issued pursuant to paragraph (5) of subsection (l) of Code Section
40-2-86
, any contributions to the fund from any other source, and all interest thereon. All moneys collected under Code Section
32-6-75.3
and fees for any special and distinctive wildflower motor vehicle license plates shall be paid into the fund. All balances in the fund shall be deposited in an interest-bearing account identifying the fund and shall be carried forward each year so that no part thereof may be deposited in the general treasury. The department shall administer the fund and expend moneys held in the fund in furtherance of roadside enhancement and beautification projects along public roads in this state and administration of the tree and vegetation trimming permit program under Code Section
32-6-75.3
. In addition to the foregoing, the department may, without limitation, promote and solicit voluntary contributions, promote the sale of motor vehicle license tags authorized under paragraph (5) of subsection (l) of Code Section
40-2-86
, and develop any fund raising or other promotional techniques deemed appropriate by the department. Contributions to the fund shall be deemed supplemental to and shall in no way supplant funding that would otherwise be appropriated for these purposes. The department shall prepare, by February 1 of each year, an accounting of the funds received and expended from the fund. The report shall be made available to the members of the State Transportation Board, the Senate Transportation Committee, the Transportation Committee of the House of Representatives, and to members of the public on request.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 360,§ 1-60, eff. 5/12/2010.
Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 308, § 1, eff. 7/1/2001.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 3 - CONTROL OF SIGNS AND SIGNALS (§§ 32-6-50 — 32-6-97) › Part 2 - STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM (§§ 32-6-70 — 32-6-97) › Section 32-6-76 - Restrictions on directional signs generally

Paragraphs (1) through (7), (9), (10), (13) through (17), (19), and (20) of subsection (a) of Code Section
32-6-75
are applicable to directional signs authorized by paragraph (1) of Code Section
32-6-72
and paragraph (1) of Code Section
32-6-73
; and, in addition thereto, no directional sign shall be erected or maintained which:
(1)
Is located in a rest area, parkland, or scenic area;
(2)
Contains an area, to be measured by the smallest square, rectangle, triangle, circle, or combination thereof, which encompasses the entire sign, in excess of 150 square feet or exceeding 20 feet in height or 20 feet in length, inclusive of any border and trim but excluding the base, apron, supports, and other structural members;
(3)
Contains, includes, or is illuminated by any flashing, intermittent, or moving light or lights;
(4)
Is located adjacent to an interstate highway and which is within 2,000 feet of an interchange or intersection at grade. The foregoing 2,000 foot zone shall be measured along the interstate highway from the point at which the pavement commences or ceases to widen at exits from or entrances to the main traveled way;
(5)
Is located within 2,000 feet of a rest area, parkland, or scenic area;
(6)
Is located within one mile of another directional sign facing the same direction of travel;
(7)
Creates the existence of more than three directional signs pertaining to the same activity facing the same direction of travel along a single route approaching the activity;
(8)
Is located along the interstate system at a point more than 75 air miles from the advertised activity;
(9)
Is located along the primary system at a point more than 50 air miles from the advertised activity;
(10)
Contains information other than the identification of the attraction or activity and directional information useful to the traveler in locating the attraction, such as mileage, route numbers, or exit numbers. The sign shall not contain descriptive words, phrases, or pictorial or photographic representations of the activity or its environs; or
(11)
Advertises privately owned activities or attractions other than natural phenomena, scenic attractions, historic, educational, cultural, scientific, and religious sites, agricultural tourist attractions designated by the Department of Agriculture, and outdoor recreational areas and which are nationally or regionally known and are of outstanding interest to the traveling public, as determined by the State Transportation Board.
Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 467,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2008.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 3 - CONTROL OF SIGNS AND SIGNALS (§§ 32-6-50 — 32-6-97) › Part 2 - STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM (§§ 32-6-70 — 32-6-97) › Section 32-6-77 - Exceptions to spacing limitations contained in Code Sections 32-6-75 and 32-6-76

Signs which are authorized by and erected or maintained pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3) of Code Section
32-6-72
or paragraph (2) or (3) of Code Section
32-6-73
or which are official signs or notices, as defined in paragraph (13) of Code Section
32-6-71
, and signs which are not lawfully erected or maintained shall not be counted nor shall measurements be made therefrom for the purpose of determining the spacing limitations prescribed in Code Sections
32-6-75
and
32-6-76
.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 3 - CONTROL OF SIGNS AND SIGNALS (§§ 32-6-50 — 32-6-97) › Part 2 - STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM (§§ 32-6-70 — 32-6-97) › Section 32-6-78 - Restrictions on public service signs

No public service sign authorized by paragraph (1) of Code Section
32-6-72
or paragraph (1) of Code Section
32-6-73
shall be erected or maintained which:
(1)
Is attached to a school bus shelter, the construction of which is not authorized by state law or local ordinance;
(2)
Is attached to a school bus shelter located at a place not approved by the governmental agency having jurisdiction of the highway along which said shelter is located;
(3)
Contains an area, to be measured by the smallest square, rectangle, triangle, circle, or combination thereof, which encompasses the entire sign, in excess of 32 square feet; or
(4)
Creates a situation in which there is more than one sign facing in any one direction on each shelter.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 3 - CONTROL OF SIGNS AND SIGNALS (§§ 32-6-50 — 32-6-97) › Part 2 - STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM (§§ 32-6-70 — 32-6-97) › Section 32-6-80 - Renewal of permits for nonconforming signs; transfer of permits for nonconforming signs

(a)
After March 24, 1980, renewal of permits for nonconforming signs as defined in paragraph (12) of Code Section
32-6-71
and as authorized in subsection (e) of Code Section
32-6-79
shall be made to the department upon forms prescribed by the department; shall contain the signature of the applicant and such other information as may be required by the department's rules and regulations; and shall be verified under oath by the person, firm, or corporation making the application. Permit renewals shall be issued and shall be valid only if the sign is maintained in accordance with this part during the 12 month period next following the date of issuance. The fee for the renewal of a permit shall be $25.00. The money received from permit fees shall be used to help defray the expenses of administering this part. Upon receipt of a properly executed application and the appropriate fee for the maintenance of a sign which may be lawfully maintained pursuant to this part, the department shall, within 60 days, issue a permit renewal authorizing the maintenance of the sign for which application is made. Application for the renewal of a permit shall be made to the department not more than 90 days nor less than 60 days before the expiration date of the permit for which renewal is sought. If the department fails to receive the renewal application before the expiration date of the permit, the department will notify the applicant that the renewal application is overdue when the applicant's address is known or reasonably available to the department and shall give the applicant 30 days after the expiration date to send the department the renewal application. If the applicant does not send the properly executed application and the appropriate fee within the specified 30 day period, the sign shall then become an illegal sign. No permit shall be renewed if the application for the renewal thereof has not been made in accordance with this Code section.
(b)
Permits shall be transferable. An application to have the permit transferred shall be made within 30 days of the change in ownership of the sign; shall be made to the department upon forms prescribed by the department; shall contain the signature of the applicant and such other information as may be required by the department; and shall be verified under oath by the person, firm, or corporation making application for transfer. Failure to comply in a timely and proper manner with this subsection shall be grounds for revocation of the permit.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 3 - CONTROL OF SIGNS AND SIGNALS (§§ 32-6-50 — 32-6-97) › Part 2 - STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM (§§ 32-6-70 — 32-6-97) › Section 32-6-81 - Revocation or withholding of permits for illegal or unauthorized actions against the department's property

(a)
It shall be cause for the department to revoke a sign permit or refuse to issue a sign permit if any of the department's property on the rights of way, including but not limited to trees, vegetation, or fences, is destroyed, damaged, converted, or altered by or on behalf of a person, firm, or corporation who owns, erects, maintains, leases, or uses any sign which is controlled by this part. When the department believes that any of the aforesaid property has been destroyed, damaged, converted, or altered, the department shall make a preliminary investigation and based on its findings may:
(1)
Revoke the permit or permits of any owner of a sign or signs if the department determines that the person, firm, or corporation who owns the land or who owns, erects, maintains, leases, or uses the sign or signs caused, hired, procured, or consciously or by design consented to any of the illegal acts described in this paragraph at or near the sign site, thereby depriving the sign owner of the permit to use that site; or
(2)
Refuse to issue a permit or permits for a sign site or sites for a period not to exceed five years if the department determines that the applicant has caused, hired, procured, or consciously or by design consented to any of the illegal acts described in this subsection on the department's rights of way within 500 feet on either side of that sign site or sites.
(b)
Before the actions listed in paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of this Code section may be taken, the department shall give 30 days' written notice via certified mail or statutory overnight delivery to the permit holder; and this notice shall apprise the permit holder of a hearing that will be held in accordance with Code Sections
50-13-13
through
50-13-18
. If the action described in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of this Code section is taken, the department shall state this in its refusal to issue a permit, and the applicant shall have the right to an administrative review of this action as provided by Code Sections
50-13-13
through
50-13-18
.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 3 - CONTROL OF SIGNS AND SIGNALS (§§ 32-6-50 — 32-6-97) › Part 2 - STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM (§§ 32-6-70 — 32-6-97) › Section 32-6-82 - Acquisition by department of property rights in outdoor advertising which does not comply with requirements of part

The department is authorized to acquire by purchase, gift, or condemnation and to pay just compensation for any property rights in outdoor advertising signs, displays, and devices which were lawfully erected in compliance with the applicable laws in effect at the time of erection but which do not conform to this part or which fail to comply with this part due to changed conditions beyond the control of the sign owner. The department shall be limited to an expenditure of $5 million for the state's portion of just compensation. The department shall be prohibited from paying more than 25 percent of any award for just compensation.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 3 - CONTROL OF SIGNS AND SIGNALS (§§ 32-6-50 — 32-6-97) › Part 2 - STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM (§§ 32-6-70 — 32-6-97) › Section 32-6-83 - Acquisition by municipal corporation or county of outdoor advertising which does not comply with requirements of applicable ordinances, regulations, or resolutions

Any municipal corporation or county is authorized to acquire by purchase, gift, or condemnation and to pay just compensation for any property rights in outdoor advertising signs, displays, and devices which were lawfully erected but which do not conform with the provisions of any lawful ordinance, regulation, or resolution or which at a later date fail to comply with the provisions of any lawful ordinance, regulation, or resolution due to changed conditions beyond the control of the sign owner. No municipal corporation or county shall remove or cause to be removed any such nonconforming outdoor advertising sign, display, or device without paying just compensation. Such compensation shall be paid in accordance with the conditions stated in Code Section
32-6-84
. For the purposes of this Code section, the term "devices" means light, lighting fixtures, or other fixtures which are permanently attached to an advertising sign or display.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 3 - CONTROL OF SIGNS AND SIGNALS (§§ 32-6-50 — 32-6-97) › Part 2 - STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM (§§ 32-6-70 — 32-6-97) › Section 32-6-84 - Interests and losses which may be compensable under Code Sections 32-6-82 and 32-6-83

The compensation provided for in Code Sections
32-6-82
and
32-6-83
is authorized to be paid only for the following:
(1)
The taking from the owner of such sign, display, or device of all right, title, leasehold, and interest in such sign, display, or device;
(2)
The taking from the owner of the real property on which the sign, display, or device is located of the right to erect and maintain such signs, displays, and devices thereon;
(3)
The actual financial loss suffered by the lessee under a written lease expressly and solely permitting the erection and maintenance of a sign, display, or device (which was lawful on the date such lease was executed) because of the refusal by the department to issue a permit for the erection of such sign, display, or device, provided that the amount of compensation paid may not exceed the pro rata part of the entire rental paid and to be paid under such lease for the unelapsed portion thereof remaining on July 1, 1973; or
(4)
The actual financial loss suffered by the lessor under a written lease expressly and solely permitting the erection and maintenance of a sign, display, or device (which was lawful on the date such lease was executed) because of the refusal by the department to issue a permit for the erection of such sign, display, or device, provided that the amount of compensation paid may not exceed the pro rata part of the entire rental paid and to be paid under such lease for the unelapsed portion thereof remaining on July 1, 1973.
Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 2, § 32, eff. 2/12/2001.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 3 - CONTROL OF SIGNS AND SIGNALS (§§ 32-6-50 — 32-6-97) › Part 2 - STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM (§§ 32-6-70 — 32-6-97) › Section 32-6-85 - Department's exercise of eminent domain power to acquire interests specified in Code Section 32-6-84

Whenever it is necessary, in the judgment of the commissioner, to acquire those interests specified in Code Section
32-6-84
, the department may exercise the power of eminent domain in the manner provided in Article 1 of Chapter 3 of this title for the acquisition of real property needed for the construction of highways.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 3 - CONTROL OF SIGNS AND SIGNALS (§§ 32-6-50 — 32-6-97) › Part 2 - STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM (§§ 32-6-70 — 32-6-97) › Section 32-6-86 - Compensation contingent upon federal matching funds

The department shall not acquire any sign by purchase or condemnation, any portion of the cost of which is eligible for federal participation, until such time as federal matching funds have been apportioned to and made available to the department for such acquisition. No sign shall be acquired by condemnation, except after three months' written notice has been given to the owner thereof of the intention to so acquire the same, during which time the penalties provided by this part shall not apply.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 3 - CONTROL OF SIGNS AND SIGNALS (§§ 32-6-50 — 32-6-97) › Part 2 - STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM (§§ 32-6-70 — 32-6-97) › Section 32-6-87 - Agreements with United States Secretary of Transportation

Subject to the provisions of this part, the department is authorized, on behalf of the state, to enter into agreements with the United States Secretary of Transportation (as provided in Section 131 of Title 23 of the United States Code) relating to the control of outdoor advertising in areas adjacent to the interstate and primary systems, including the establishment of information centers at safety rest areas. The department is also authorized to take action in the name of the state to comply with the terms of such agreements.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 3 - CONTROL OF SIGNS AND SIGNALS (§§ 32-6-50 — 32-6-97) › Part 2 - STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM (§§ 32-6-70 — 32-6-97) › Section 32-6-87.1 - "RV friendly" markers

(a)
Subject to the prior approval of the Federal Highway Administration, the department is directed to incorporate the use of "RV friendly" markers on specific service signs for business establishments that cater to the needs of persons driving recreational vehicles. A business establishment that qualifies for participation in the specific service sign program and that also qualifies as "RV friendly" may request that an "RV friendly" marker be displayed immediately adjacent to such establishment's business logo sign on the appropriate background sign panel. For purposes of this Code section, the "RV friendly" marker to be displayed shall be such marker as may be approved by the Federal Highway Administration in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
(b)
In accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act," and subject to the approval of the Federal Highway Administration, the department shall promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary to implement the provisions of this Code section, including the promulgation of rules and regulations setting forth the minimum requirements that business establishments must meet in order to qualify as "RV friendly." Such requirements shall include, but shall not be limited to, the availability at each qualifying business establishment of parking spaces, entrances and exits in sufficient number and of sufficient size and dimensions to easily accommodate recreational vehicles, and the presence of appropriate overhang clearances at all facilities, if applicable.
(c)
For the purposes of assisting the Federal Highway Administration in considering the approval of an "RV friendly" marker for incorporation into the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, the department is directed to submit a request to the Federal Highway Administration for permission to experiment with the use of an "RV friendly" marker on specific service signs in accordance with this Code section.
Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 471,§ 32, eff. 5/12/2008.
Added by 2007 Ga. Laws 17,§ 1, eff. 5/11/2007.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 3 - CONTROL OF SIGNS AND SIGNALS (§§ 32-6-50 — 32-6-97) › Part 2 - STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM (§§ 32-6-70 — 32-6-97) › Section 32-6-88 - Designation of defined areas where directional information is provided by previously conforming signs or devices

Upon written request made by any county, city, corporation, partnership, association, person, or persons, the board is authorized to consider and to designate a specific area or areas as a defined area or areas, upon a showing having been made that the area in question contains directional signs, displays, or devices which were lawfully erected under state law in force at the time of erection and in existence on May 5, 1976, and which do not conform to the requirements of paragraphs (1) through (6) of Code Section
32-6-72
and paragraphs (1) through (4) of Code Section
32-6-73
, and upon a further showing that such directional signs, displays, and devices provide directional information about goods and services in the specific interest of the traveling public and that their removal would work a substantial economic hardship in such defined area or areas.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 3 - CONTROL OF SIGNS AND SIGNALS (§§ 32-6-50 — 32-6-97) › Part 2 - STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM (§§ 32-6-70 — 32-6-97) › Section 32-6-89 - Retention of directional signs, displays, and devices in defined areas

Upon designation made by the board of an area or areas as a defined area or areas for purposes of requesting the approval of the United States Secretary of Transportation for the retention of directional signs, displays, and devices in the specific interest of the traveling public, the Georgia Department of Transportation is authorized to request the approval of the United States Secretary of Transportation.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 3 - CONTROL OF SIGNS AND SIGNALS (§§ 32-6-50 — 32-6-97) › Part 2 - STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM (§§ 32-6-70 — 32-6-97) › Section 32-6-90 - Promulgation of rules and regulations by department

The department is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations governing the issuance and revocation of permits for the erection and maintenance of outdoor advertising which is authorized by Code Sections
32-6-72
and
32-6-73
and which is not prohibited by this part. The department is further authorized to promulgate rules and regulations governing the issuance, revocation, and renewal of permits for the trimming of trees and vegetation on the state's rights of way authorized by and in accordance with Code Section
32-6-75.3
. Such rules and regulations shall be consistent with the safety and welfare of the traveling public, and as may be necessary to carry out the policy of the state declared in this part, and consistent with the purposes of the Highway Beautification Act of 1965, Public Law 89-285, as amended, and contained in Title 23, United States Code. The department is further authorized to promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out this part.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 3 - CONTROL OF SIGNS AND SIGNALS (§§ 32-6-50 — 32-6-97) › Part 2 - STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM (§§ 32-6-70 — 32-6-97) › Section 32-6-91 - Erection or maintenance of sign without permit as constituting misdemeanor

Any person who erects or maintains any sign for which a permit is required by this part without a valid permit or renewal of such permit issued by the department shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Each day or fraction thereof during which a sign is unlawfully maintained shall constitute a separate offense. The commissioner and officials or employees of said department designated by the commissioner are authorized to take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to procure the prosecution and conviction of any person, firm, or corporation violating this Code section.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 3 - CONTROL OF SIGNS AND SIGNALS (§§ 32-6-50 — 32-6-97) › Part 2 - STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM (§§ 32-6-70 — 32-6-97) › Section 32-6-92 - Maintenance of unauthorized sign as constituting misdemeanor

Any person who maintains any sign not authorized by this part and which was not lawfully in existence on October 6, 1971, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Each day or fraction thereof during which a sign is unlawfully maintained shall constitute a separate offense. The commissioner and officials or employees of the department designated by the commissioner are authorized to take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to procure the prosecution and conviction of any person, firm, or corporation violating this Code section.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 3 - CONTROL OF SIGNS AND SIGNALS (§§ 32-6-50 — 32-6-97) › Part 2 - STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM (§§ 32-6-70 — 32-6-97) › Section 32-6-93 - Erection or maintenance of sign without a permit as constituting a public nuisance; enjoining erection or maintenance of such sign

The erection or maintenance by any person, firm, or corporation of any sign for which a permit is required by this part without a valid permit or renewal thereof issued by the department is declared to be a public nuisance. In addition to the remedies provided for in this part or which may otherwise exist under the laws of Georgia, the department is authorized to bring an equitable proceeding to enjoin any person, firm, or corporation from erecting or maintaining, without a valid permit or renewal thereof, any sign for which a permit or renewal thereof is required by this part. It shall not be necessary for the department to allege and prove that there is no adequate remedy at law in order to obtain the equitable relief provided for in this Code section.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 3 - CONTROL OF SIGNS AND SIGNALS (§§ 32-6-50 — 32-6-97) › Part 2 - STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM (§§ 32-6-70 — 32-6-97) › Section 32-6-94 - Maintenance of unauthorized sign as constituting a public nuisance; enjoining maintenance of such sign

The maintenance by any person, firm, or corporation of any sign which is not authorized by this part and which was not lawfully in existence on October 6, 1971, is declared to be a public nuisance. In addition to the remedies provided for in this part or which may otherwise exist under the laws of Georgia, the department is authorized to bring an equitable proceeding to enjoin any person, firm, or corporation from maintaining any sign which is not in compliance with this Code section. It shall not be necessary for the department to allege and prove that there is no adequate remedy at law in order to obtain the equitable relief provided for in this Code section.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 3 - CONTROL OF SIGNS AND SIGNALS (§§ 32-6-50 — 32-6-97) › Part 2 - STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM (§§ 32-6-70 — 32-6-97) › Section 32-6-97 - Construction of part

Nothing in this part shall be construed to abrogate or affect any lawful ordinance, regulation, or resolution which is more restrictive than this part.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 4 - LIMITED-ACCESS ROADS (§§ 32-6-110 — 32-6-119) › Section 32-6-110 - "Local service road" defined

As used in this article, the term "local service road" means any public road, whether existing at the time of the designation of a limited-access road or established thereafter, which serves the owner or occupant of any land or improvements abutting a limited-access road and which gives a means of ingress to and egress from any such lands or improvements.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 4 - LIMITED-ACCESS ROADS (§§ 32-6-110 — 32-6-119) › Section 32-6-111 - Establishment and maintenance of limited-access roads

(a)
The department or a county or a municipality in this state, acting alone or in cooperation with each other or with any federal, state, or local agency, is authorized and empowered to plan, designate, establish, regulate, abandon, alter, improve, maintain, and provide limited-access public roads wherever the department or such authorities consider that traffic conditions, present or future, justify such special facilities, provided that the term "traffic conditions, present or future, justifying such special facilities" shall be construed to mean a road having present traffic volumes requiring a minimum of four lanes of road or traffic volumes estimated to be accommodated by the road within a period not to exceed 20 years from the date of such consideration that will require a minimum of four lanes of road; provided, further, that within municipalities such authorization for limited-access public roads shall be subject to such municipal consent as may be provided by law, except that such municipal consent is not necessary for any limited-access road if the limited-access road includes space or other provisions for the construction of a heavy rail line as a part of a public transportation system or a rapid busway operating on a designated lane as a part of a public transportation system and such public transportation system is a part of a regional transportation plan developed by the metropolitan planning organization or other such similar body.
(b)
The department or a county or a municipality, in addition to the specific powers granted in this article, also shall have and may exercise, relative to limited-access facilities, any and all additional authority vested in them relative to other public roads in their jurisdiction.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 4 - LIMITED-ACCESS ROADS (§§ 32-6-110 — 32-6-119) › Section 32-6-112 - Acquisition of property and property rights

The department, a county, or a municipality may acquire private property and property rights for limited-access facilities and service roads, including rights of access, of view, of air, and of light through gift, devise, purchase, or condemnation in the same manner as such governmental units are authorized by law to acquire such property or property rights in connection with public roads within their respective jurisdictions. Public property or an interest therein may be acquired for such purposes by the department or by a county or municipality by any method authorized by law for such acquisition other than condemnation. The acquisition of public property or an interest therein for such purposes by condemnation may be accomplished by the department pursuant to the provisions of subsection (b) of Code Section
32-3-4
when such acquisition is approved by the State Commission on the Condemnation of Public Property as provided in Code Section
50-16-183
. As used in this Code section, the term "public property" has the meaning provided for in Code Section
50-16-180
. In the process of acquiring property or property rights for any limited-access facility, the department or the county or municipality, in its discretion, may acquire an entire lot, block, or tract of land if, by so doing, the interest of the public will best be served.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 4 - LIMITED-ACCESS ROADS (§§ 32-6-110 — 32-6-119) › Section 32-6-113 - Design of limited-access roads

Limited-access roads may be so designed as to regulate, restrict, or prohibit access thereto so as to best serve the traffic for which such facility is intended. The authority designating and establishing any limited-access road is authorized to divide and separate such highway into separate roadways by the construction of raised curbings, central dividing sections, or other physical separations or by designating such separate roadways by signs, markers, or stripes; to designate the proper lanes for traffic moving in opposite directions; and to prohibit the making of turns at specified points. The designating authority may recommend to the commissioner of public safety or, if the roads in question are in a municipality, to the municipality that there be fixed on such roads and on the separate lanes thereof such rates of speed as are deemed in the public interest. No person shall have any right of ingress to or egress from or passage across any limited-access road to or from abutting lands except at the designated points to which access may be permitted and under such arrangements and conditions as may be specified from time to time.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 4 - LIMITED-ACCESS ROADS (§§ 32-6-110 — 32-6-119) › Section 32-6-114 - Designation of limited-access roads; elimination of intersections at grade

The department, a county, or a municipality may designate and establish limited-access roads as new or additional facilities or may designate or establish existing public roads to be limited-access roads. The department or the counties or municipalities shall have authority to provide for the elimination of intersections at grade of limited-access highways with existing state, county, or municipal public roads or railroad rights of way by grade separation or local service roads or by closing off such roads or streets at the right of way boundary line of such limited-access road. After the establishment of any limited-access road, no public road which is not a part of such facility shall intersect the same at grade. No public road shall be opened into or connected with any established limited-access road without the consent of the governmental authority having jurisdiction of such limited-access road, in the same manner as such governmental units are authorized by law.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 4 - LIMITED-ACCESS ROADS (§§ 32-6-110 — 32-6-119) › Section 32-6-115 - Conducting commercial enterprises or activities on property on which limited-access roads have been constructed

Except as otherwise provided in this Code section and Code Section
32-6-116
, no commercial enterprise or activities shall be authorized or conducted by the department or any other agency or by a county or municipality of the state, within or on the property on which have been constructed limited-access roads as defined in this article, provided that the term "commercial enterprise or activities" shall not be so construed as to prevent the installation of public utility facilities, to the extent that it is authorized by law, or as to prevent the proper management of property acquired for future construction of public roads, including limited-access roads, as such acquisition is authorized in Article 1 of Chapter 3 of this title.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 4 - LIMITED-ACCESS ROADS (§§ 32-6-110 — 32-6-119) › Section 32-6-116 - Installation and operation of vending machines in safety rest areas on rights of way of state highway system

The department is authorized to install or provide for the installation of and to operate or provide for the operation of vending machines in safety rest areas constructed on or located on the rights of way of the state highway system. The vending machines may dispense nonalcoholic beverages, snacks, candy, cigarettes, and other articles as determined by the department to be necessary or desirable for the traveling public at reasonable prices. The prices charged for these products shall approximate the prevailing rate within the area for similar items so as not to compete unfairly with private enterprise, such prices to be set by the department.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 4 - LIMITED-ACCESS ROADS (§§ 32-6-110 — 32-6-119) › Section 32-6-117 - Lease of air rights

The department is authorized to lease by negotiation air rights over existing or proposed limited-access highways for development as commercial enterprises or activities. Prior to entering into any negotiations for the lease of such air rights, the department shall advertise its intent to negotiate the lease of such air rights at least once a week for four consecutive weeks in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the county or counties where the air rights to be leased are situated and in one or more legal organs in Fulton County. Any person, firm, or corporation leasing such air rights shall reimburse the department for all costs, including administrative costs, incurred by the department in connection with the negotiation of said lease. Furthermore, when two or more offers are received by the department for a lease of air rights, the highest responsible offer shall be accepted by the department. The department shall establish a minimum negotiated price, based upon competent appraisal; and the final negotiated amount shall not be less than this appraisal.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 4 - LIMITED-ACCESS ROADS (§§ 32-6-110 — 32-6-119) › Section 32-6-118 - Establishment, maintenance, and disposal of local service roads

In connection with the development of any limited-access facility, the department, a county, or a municipality is authorized to plan, designate, establish, use, regulate, alter, improve, maintain, abandon, and dispose of local service roads or streets or to designate as local service roads any existing public road and to exercise jurisdiction over service roads in the same manner as authorized over any other public roads on their public road systems if such local service roads are deemed necessary or desirable. Such local service roads shall be of appropriate design and shall be separated from the limited-access facility property by means of any or all devices designated as necessary or desirable by the proper authority.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 4 - LIMITED-ACCESS ROADS (§§ 32-6-110 — 32-6-119) › Section 32-6-119 - Effect of article on Coastal Highway District and Coastal Scenic Highway Authority

This article shall in no way take away from, impair, or infringe upon the authority, duty, power, or obligations of the Coastal Highway District or the Coastal Scenic Highway Authority.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 32 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FERRIES (§§ 32-1-1 — 32-12-1) › Chapter 6 - REGULATION OF MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PUBLIC ROADS GENERALLY (§§ 32-6-1 — 32-6-248) › Article 5 - COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AND SUBDIVISIONS (§§ 32-6-130 — 32-6-154) › Part 1 - COMMERCIAL PROPERTY (§§ 32-6-130 — 32-6-135) › Section 32-6-130 - "Commercial driveway" defined

As used in this part, the term "commercial driveway" means any private entrance, exit, ramp, tunnel, bridge, side road, or other vehicular passageway to any property used for commercial purposes, except a farm or a dwelling house not exceeding a four-family capacity, and leading to or from any public road on the state highway system.