Billboards are one of the most common forms of outdoor advertising.
The Georgia bureau of the Department of Transportation oversees the implementation of the Georgia Outdoor Advertising Control Act, a law that states the various rules and regulations pertaining to signage and other aspects of outdoor advertising in the state. As in all states, these regulations apply to advertising along highways, bridges and ferries --- pretty much any place viewable from a public road. Outdoor advertising can include billboards, signs, lights, displays, devices, figures, paintings, drawings, messages, placards and posters.
Requirements
All outdoor advertising in the state requires a permit, which can be obtained by application and a fee of $50 to the Georgia DOT office in Atlanta. To receive a permit, no more than four sign faces or displays are allowed in one location, and each may not exceed 60 feet in length and 30 feet in height. The total area of the sign may not exceed 1,200 square feet in either direction of travel. All advertising must be structurally sound, and must be staked or flagged for inspection by the DOT. It must always display its permit identification tag somewhere visible by the main road of travel.
Permits
Forms and instructions to apply for a permit can be found on the Georgia DOT's website. Permits are valid for one year and must be renewed, or the advertising will be removed. All forms of advertising must be maintained within the 12-month period to maintain a permit. Separate permit applications are available for mechanical and electronic multiple-message signs or special multi-message permits.
Illegal Advertising
Signs and other forms of advertising are prohibited from being erected or placed within 660 feet of the nearest edge of the right of way of a public road, a building of residence, railroad tracks or minor sidings unless they advertise the sale or lease of the property upon which they are located or offer direction to travelers. The form of advertising also cannot conflict with or hide from view directional safety signs, public utility signs or other legally constructed or permitted signs.
Exceptions
Federal law allows the existence of signs lawfully in place before Oct. 22, 1965, such as landmark signs --- including signs on farm structures or natural surfaces, or of historic or artistic significance. For more information, contact the Georgia DOT Outdoor Advertising Office at 404-637-1392.
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