SNELLVILLE – City officials are trying to ease the burden for business owners of the pending construction on the intersection of the highways 124 and 78, slated to begin this summer.
On Monday, Mayor and Council voted to allow a moratorium on temporary signage to be lifted for the construction of the Displaced Left Turn.
The moratorium begins at 12 a.m. March 14 and ends 18 months later at 12 a.m. on Sept. 15. A permit must be applied for and approved by the city's Planning Department.
Georgia Department of Transportation has condemned numerous parcels of land and been granted easements in the area surrounding the intersection which may force many businesses to remove previously approved monument and pylon signage.
"The Mayor and Council desire to prevent the properties affected by the construction from being harmed by the loss of their permanent signage and (they) believe it is in the best interest of the citizens of Snellville to allow limited temporary signage in the affected area," the resolution unanimously passed on Monday reads.
The moratorium only pertains to temporary signage. It does not include temporary banners and feather flags. Only a temporary single- or double-faced sign, not to exceed 32 square feet in area each and not to exceed 8 feet in total height may be erected with an approved sign permit from the City of Snellville. Only one temporary single- or double-faced sign may be erected per road frontage and/or curb-cut existing at the time of construction. For double-faced signs, the interior angle formed by the sign display area must not exceed 90 degrees. Signs must be located out of the public right-of-way and outside of the Georgia DOT temporary construction easement. Signs may be externally illuminated, provided the light source is shielded and does not produce a glare or shine into the eyes of passing motorists or pedestrians. Overhead, or above ground electrical service is be prohibited. An electrical permit is required and internally illuminated signs or cabinet signs are prohibited.
For more information on the intersection construction project visit www.snellville.org/highway-78-and-124-intersection.