Department of Transportation v. Sapp Outdoor Advertising Co.

Carley, Judge.

Appellee Sapp Outdoor Advertising Company (Sapp) is the owner of an outdoor advertising sign located 10 feet from the edge of the right of way of Interstate 16 in Laurens County. The sign was erected in 1967, and was classified by appellant Department of Transportation (DOT) as a “nonconforming sign.” A “nonconforming sign” is one which could not legally be newly erected under the present Georgia Code of Public Transportation, but which is allowed to remain because it predates that Act. See OCGA § 32-6-50 et seq. In September 1981, Sapp applied to DOT to have the sign…