Four Billboards Likely to Rise in Milton

Milton wasn't even a city when outdoor sign companies filed suit against Fulton County over billboards. But now that a settlement agreement has been reached, four billboards most likely will be erected in several nodes around the city.

Milton City Attorney Ken Jarrard told City Council Wednesday night that permit applications were filed with Fulton County.

"There were applications for up to 16 billboards within the area that would in the future become the city of Milton," Jarrard said.

A judge struck down the Fulton County billboard regulations, which affected Milton.

"Milton is required to comply with that order and otherwise deal with the loss of that litigation," he said.

Now the city is liked to get four LED billboards, but Jarrard said that's much less than what the sign companies could have demanded.

Mayor Joe Lockwood said city staff and Jarrard negotiated with the outdoor sign companies, going down to about 25 percent of what the judge mandated.

The sign companies won't have to pay permits for these four applications, and the city will have to expedite the approval process in just these cases. The companies agreed to save as many trees as possible. Once the signs are erected, they are to be treated like any other sign in the city.

Five property "nodes" were picked as potential locations for up to four billboards. Only one sign per node is allowed under the agreement.

• West and south of GA 400, north of Windward Parkway – 5 parcels, 3 fronting GA 400
• Hwy. 9 north of Windward Parkway – formerly McMillan strip centers – 1 parcel
• Hwy. 9 south of Windward Parkway – 3 parcels – vacant and closed buildings, lot, beverage business
• Hwy. 9 south of Bethany Bend – 4 parcels, including 1 city-owned parcel, around Que
• Hwy. 140  (Arnold Mill Road) – 3 parcels – vacant businesses & construction company