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                                                                         FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                                                         Media Contact:                           
                                                                         Angela Thompson
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                                                                         678-242-2530 (Office)
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Learn about Milton's court-mandated billboards

Situation a result of litigation from before incorporation 

MILTON, Ga., Dec. 16, 2014 - As you have no doubt seen, billboards are springing up in the City of Milton in locations across the city. These signs are authorized because of litigation  that originated before Milton incorporated in 2006.

 

It was appealed, and ultimately Milton found itself (along with Johns Creek and Sandy Springs) on the losing side of a unanimous opinion of the Supreme Court of Georgia.

Outright denial was not possible. However, Milton's staff and elected officials worked to mitigate the signs' impact.

 

Key Takeaways

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Fewer
Boards

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Smaller
Space

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Less  

Distraction

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Minimized  

Impact

Milton officials worked to reduce the actual number of signs from 16 to four.Milton officials reduced the actual size of the signs from 14 by 48 feet to 10.5 by 36 feet.Milton officials minimized the number of messages transmitted each minute.Milton officials minimized the impact on the night sky by requiring dimming technology.

 

Important facts 
  • Milton's four billboards were a product of litigation settlement
     
  • Milton fought billboards to the Supreme Court of Georgia
     
  • Milton tried unsuccessfully to locate all billboards adjacent to Ga. 400 corridor
     
  • Billboards can only exist on commercial property
     
  • Property cannot be rezoned to allow billboards

Timeline

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BILLBOARD COMPANY ACTION

2003 - 2005: Action Outdoor Advertising JV, LLC; KH Outdoor LLC; Granite State Outdoor Advertising, Inc.; Boardworks Outdoor Advertising Company, Inc.; Steven Galberaith and Larry Roberts file outdoor advertising applications with Fulton County.

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FULTON COUNTY ACTION

2005: Fulton County denies billboard applications, citing its sign ordinance.

The billboard companies challenge Fulton's sign ordinance, filing a lawsuit against the county. A Fulton County judge rules in favor of the
billboard companies, declaring Fulton County's sign ordinance unconstitutional on First Amendment grounds.


Fulton County decides that judge's decision only applies to part of its ordinance and continues to deny permits.


Billboard companies apply to Fulton County for nearly 75 sign permits north of I-285, in advance of new cities in north Fulton being formed.

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CITY OF MILTON ACTION

2006: City of Milton established.

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CITY OF MILTON ACTION

2007: Milton joins other North Fulton cities and Fulton County against the billboard companies, saying billboard companies should abide by cities' ordinances,which are more restrictive.


While the sign companies suits were pending, the Supreme Court of Georgia determines Fulton County's sign ordinance was unconstitutional.

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COURT ACTION

2010: Fulton Superior Court directs all cities to "permit [sign companies] to construct, maintain and operate all signs for which they submitted applications."

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COURT ACTION

2011: Georgia Supreme Court rules Fulton County Sign Ordinance is unconstitutional; therefore, there should be no restrictions on the construction of signs. It is ruled cities could not enact their own sign ordinances after the fact to retroactively deny permits.

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CITY OF MILTON ACTION

 2013: Milton negotiates with billboard companies to reduce number, type and location of signs.

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BILLBOARD COMPANY ACTION

 2014: Billboards are erected throughout North Fulton.

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Incorporated on Dec. 1, 2006, the City of Milton has been recognized for having the highest quality of life in the state of Georgia and ninth-highest in the southern United States by the Business Journals' "On Numbers" survey. It is a distinctive community that embraces small-town life and heritage while preserving and enhancing the city's rural character. The City of Milton will provide opportunity and value in a responsive and responsible environment through active partnerships with the community and its stakeholders. For more information, visit www.cityofmiltonga.us, or call 678-242-2500.

 

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