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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION vs. TRI-STATE SYSTEMS, INC., 84-003984 (1984)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 84-003984 Latest Update: Aug. 01, 1985

Findings Of Fact On May 18, 1979, and May 25, 1979, Henderson Signs filed applications for seven permits to erect seven outdoor advertising sign structures in Washington County, Florida, adjacent to Interstate 10 in the proximity of State Road 77. These applications were field approved by the Department's outdoor advertising inspector and by his supervisor on or about May 30, 1979. Thereafter, on or about June 6, 1979, the Department issued permit numbers 11176-10, 11170-10, 11172-10, 11174-10, 11175-10, 11178-10 and 11179-10 to Henderson Signs. These permits authorized the erection of the signs in the vicinity of the I-10 and S.R. 77 interchange in Washington County, which are the subject of this proceeding. Subsequent to the issuance of theme permits, Henderson Signs erected the signs at the permitted locations. Thereafter, Henderson Signs transferred to the Respondent, Tri-State Systems, Inc., all of its interest in these signs and in the permits which authorized them to be erected. Prior to this transfer, the Respondent's representatives inquired at the Department's district office in Chipley whether the permits to be purchased from Henderson Signs were valid permits. Two of the Respondent's representatives testified that they received assurance from the outdoor Advertising Administrator in the Chipley district office that these permits were legal permits. This testimony, however, is self-serving and uncorroborated, and thus is not of sufficient quality to support a finding of fact. The subject permits had been issued by the Department because its district personnel believed that the proposed locations were in areas which had been zoned by the proper authorities of Washington County as commercial. Each of the permit applications submitted by Henderson Signs asserted that the site applied for was in a commercial or industrial zoned area. However, these assertions by Henderson Signs on its permit applications were false. There is not currently nor has there ever been any zoning in effect in Washington County on land located along I-10. The Department's district personnel in Chipley were thus misled by the assertions made by Henderson Signs on its applications. Although zoning ordinances are a matter of public record, and the Department's district personnel might have more thoroughly checked to ascertain if the subject sites were zoned as indicated on the applications, so also did the Respondent's representatives have this opportunity to ascertain the true zoning situation for the sites where they proposed to buy signs. The Respondent is an outdoor advertising company which has been in the business of outdoor advertising since at least 1976. It was aware that signs along an interstate highway must be located in either a zoned or an unzoned commercial or industrial area. Its normal procedure is to check with the county relative to zoning. Nevertheless, the Respondent did not verify the zoning status of any of the subject sites before consummating the purchase of these signs from Henderson Signs. The subject signs are located in a rural setting, and there is no commercial activity located in the area. Prior to October, 1984, these sites were inspected by the Department's Right-of-Way Administrator. As a result of this inspection, notices of violation were sent to the Respondent advising it that proceedings were being initiated to revoke the subject permits because the locations were not in a zoned or unzoned commercial or industrial area.

Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that signs bearing permit numbers 11176-10, 11170-10, 11172-10, 1174-10, 11175-10, 11178-10, and 11179-10, held by the Respondent, Tri-State Systems, Inc., authorizing signs in proximity to the I-10 and SR-77 interchange in Washington County, Florida, be revoked, and the subject signs be removed. THIS RECOMMENDED ORDER entered this 1st day of August, 1985, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. WILLIAM B. THOMAS Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 1st day of August, 1985. COPIES FURNISHED: Maxine F. Ferguson, Esquire Haydon Burns Bldg., M.S. 58 Tallahassee, Florida 32301-8064 Gerald S. Livingston, Esquire O. Box 2151 Orlando, Florida 32802-2151 Hon. Paul A. Pappas Secretary Department of Transportation Haydon Burns Building Tallahassee, Florida 32301

Florida Laws (5) 120.57479.02479.08479.11479.111
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION vs. REESE OUTDOOR DISPLAYS, INC., 84-003873 (1984)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 84-003873 Latest Update: Jun. 17, 1985

Findings Of Fact In May and June of 1983 the Department received in its district office in Chipley, Florida, applications for four permits for outdoor advertising signs to be located adjacent to I-10, approximately one mile west of S.R. 285, in Walton County, Florida. Two of these applications requested permits to erect a two-faced, back-to-back structure on I-10, 4,262 feet west of S.R. 285, and two of these applications sought permits to erect a two-faced, back-to-back structure on I-10, 5,262 feet west of S.R. 285. These permit applications stated that the locations requested were in a commercial or industrial area within 800 feet of a business. The Department's outdoor advertising inspector approved these permit applications in June of 1983. When he visited the sites he found a small building, approximately eight to ten feet by approximately ten to twelve feet in dimension, situated at a point 300 feet from one of the sign sites and 700 feet from the other site. There was a pile of steel lying on the ground adjacent to this building. He was told by the Respondent's president that the Respondent's plan was to put an office on the site, and a building on which to work on signs and to store material. On the basis of his inspection of the site, coupled with these representations of the Respondent's president, the inspector approved the four applications for sign permits. Subsequently, in 1984 after the permits had been issued, the small building had been removed and was replaced by a shed and another small building. However, in 1983 at the time the applications for permits were submitted, the site where the business activity was planned did not have telephone service, nor did this location have any mailing address, and there were no employees of the Respondent on the site until 1984. The Respondent obtained this location for the purpose and with the intent of locating its sign business thereon, but when the permit applications were submitted the site had not yet become a commercial location. Much of the evidence presented by both sides at the hearing concerned activities conducted at the location between the two sign sites subsequent to the time when the permit applications were submitted. However, this is irrelevant. The salient facts are that the president of the Respondent knew that a business activity within 800 feet of the sign site was required in order to obtain lawful permits; he intended to establish his own sign business at a location between the two sign sites which would comply with the permitting requirements; but in June of 1983 when the permit applications were submitted, there was not then in existence any business activity within 800 feet of the proposed sign sites. Thus, the statement of the Respondent on its applications that the proposed sign sites were in an unzoned commercial area within 800 feet of a business was false, and the Respondent's president knew this when he submitted the applications.

Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that permits numbered AJ511-12, AJ510-12, AJ509-12 and AJ508- 12, held by Reese Outdoor Displays, Inc., be revoked, and the signs which were erected pursuant to these permits be removed. THIS RECOMMENDED ORDER entered this 20th day of May, 1985 in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. WILLIAM B. THOMAS Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 FILED with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 20th day of May, 1985. COPIES FURNISHED: Charles G. Gardner, Esquire Haydon Burns Building, M.S. 58 Tallahassee, Florida 32301-8064 George Ralph Miller, Esquire P.O. Box 687 DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433 Hon. Paul A. Pappas Secretary Department of Transportation Haydon Burns Building Tallahassee, Florida 32301

Florida Laws (5) 120.57479.02479.08479.11479.111
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION vs JC TROPICAL FOODS, INC., 90-003897 (1990)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Miami, Florida Jun. 26, 1990 Number: 90-003897 Latest Update: Oct. 01, 1990

The Issue The issue in this case is whether the sign erected by J.C. Tropical Foods, Inc., (Respondent) on land it leased for this purpose along State Road 997 in Dade County, Florida, was in violation of state law and, if so, whether the removal of said sign was required.

Findings Of Fact The Respondent leased a parcel of land along State Road 997 in Dade County, Florida, for the purpose of erecting a sign to direct truckers to its packing house. The Respondent owns certain real property on which its packing house is located, but that property is approximately 1320 feet from State Road 997, and 1200 feet from the leased parcel. If a sign were erected on the property owned by the Respondent, it could not be seen from State Road 997. After leasing the subject parcel, the Respondent proceeded to erect its 4 foot by 6 foot sign at a height of 45 feet. The sign was located approximately 18 feet from the State Road 997 right-of-way, and was visible from State Road 997. The sign was inspected by the Petitioner's outdoor advertising inspector and found to have no state sign permit attached to it. A notice of violation was, therefore, affixed to the sign on behalf of the Petitioner on or about May 30, 1990, and thereafter the sign was removed. State Road 997 in Dade County, Florida, has been designated a federal- aid primary road. The Respondent's sign was located on a leased parcel that was zoned AU, Agricultural District. The sign was not located on the business premises of the sign owner. A timely demand for formal hearing was filed on behalf of the Respondent following its receipt of the notice of violation, resulting in this formal proceeding.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is recommended that the Petitioner enter a Final Order which finds that the permit required by law was not issued for the Respondent's sign, that the sign was in a location that is ineligible for permitting because of its zoning, and which confirms the removal of the subject sign. RECOMMENDED this 1st day of October, 1990, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. DONALD D. CONN Hearing Officer The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1550 904/488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 1st day of October, 1990. APPENDIX TO RECOMMENDED ORDER, CASE NO. 90-3897T Rulings on Petitioner's Proposed Findings of Fact: Adopted in Finding 1. Adopted in Finding 2. Adopted in Finding 3. Adopted in Finding 2. Adopted in Finding 4. Adopted in Findings 1, 2 and 5. Adopted in Finding 2. Adopted in Finding 3. Adopted in Finding 5. COPIES FURNISHED: Charles G. Gardner, Esquire Department of Transportation 605 Suwannee Street, M.S. 58 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0458 Julian L. Mesa, Secretary J.C. Tropical Foods, Inc. 2937 S.W. 27th Avenue, #305 Miami, FL 33133 Ben G. Watts Secretary Department of Transportation Haydon Burns Building 605 Suwannee Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0458 Thornton J. Williams, Esquire General Counsel Department of Transportation Haydon Burns Building 605 Suwannee Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0458

Florida Laws (7) 120.57479.02479.07479.105479.11479.111479.16
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BEST WESTERN TIVOLI INN vs. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, 82-000391 (1982)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 82-000391 Latest Update: Aug. 21, 1985

The Issue Whether the Holmes County Commission zoned the area around the intersection of I-10 and State Road 79 primarily for the purpose of permitting outdoor advertising structures? Whether the DOT may deviate with explanation from the plain meaning of its rule as set forth in Best Western I, or must adhere to the legislative mandate in Chapter 84-173, Laws of Florida to follow its rules?

Findings Of Fact Based upon the stipulation of the parties, the following findings of fact are made: The advertising structures at issue are outdoor advertising signs. (T. 25.) Said signs are located within 600 feet of Interstate Highway 10 (I-10) in Holmes County, Florida. (T. 25.) Said signs are located as follow: On I-10 1.0 mile east of State Road 79, facing east (Case No. 82-391T) On I-10 0.51 mile west of State Road 79, facing west (Case No. 82-392T) On I-10 0.83 mile east of State Road 79, facing east (Case No. 82-393T) On I-10 0.75 mile west of State Road 79, facing west (Case No. 82-394T) Said signs are located outside the limits of any incorporated cities. (T. 25.) I-10 is an interstate highway. (T. 25.) At the site of the signs, I-10 was opened and designated an interstate highway prior to the time the subject signs were constructed. (T. 25.) The signs do not have an outdoor advertising permit. (T. 25.) Petitioners have made application for permits for each sign. (T. 25.) The copy on each sign can be read from the main traveled way of I-10. (T. 25.) Holmes County has duly adopted a comprehensive land use plan and by ordinance zoned the areas where the subject signs are located as a commercial area. (T. 26, 13.) The zoning action by Holmes County was part of comprehensive zoning. The Department of Transportation (Department) disapproved the applications because it determined initially that the zoning of the area was unacceptable to the Department for permitting signs. Best Western Tivoli Inn belongs to Bonifay Tivoli, Limited, a partnership of Jack Hirschon and Joseph Beatty, who are the actual Petitioners in Cases No. 82-391T and 82-392T. (T. 26.)

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, the Hearing Officer recommends that the Department of Transportation approve the applications of the Petitioners for outdoor advertising permits for the subject signs. DONE and ORDERED this 12th day of October, 1982, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. STEPHEN F. DEAN, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 12th day of October, 1982. COPIES FURNISHED: Gerald Holley, Esquire Post Office Box 268 Chipley, Florida 32428 Charles G. Gardner, Esquire Department of Transportation 605 Suwannee Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Paul N. Pappas, Secretary Department of Transportation 605 Suwannee Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301

Florida Laws (3) 120.57120.68479.111
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION vs. NATIONAL ADVERTISING COMPANY, 76-000704 (1976)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 76-000704 Latest Update: Feb. 22, 1977

The Issue Whether the outdoor advertising signs of Respondent are in violation of Florida Statute 479.07(1), sign being erected without a State permit. Whether the subject signs are in violation of the setback requirements of Section 479.11, Florida Statutes. Whether subject signs are new and different signs inasmuch as they have new copy, are materially elevated from the location of the previous signs and have catwalks and lights added, thus requiring a new application and permit. Whether subject signs are in violation of federal and State laws, rules and regulations and should be removed. Whether the federal regulations adopted in Section 479.02, F.S., would have to be adopted as a rule under Chapter 120, F.S.

Findings Of Fact The Respondent sign company has a sign located approximately 12.81 miles north of Dunn Avenue on the east side of I-95 facing south containing the following copy: "Ramada Inn Exit 7 Miles U.S. 17" The sign was increased in height from under ten (10) feet to twenty feet from the ground to the bottom of the sign, lights were added, and the catwalk was added to accommodate the change in advertisers. This extensive alteration was done in June of 1975 and copy was changed. The original sign was erected in May of 1968 and advertised "Shell Oil." Respondent sign company has a sign located approximately 8.81 miles south of Bowden Road on the west side of I-95 facing north and containing the following copy: "Family Inn of St. Augustine" The revised sign is located in an area zoned open rural, has been elevated and has had lights and catwalk added. The original sign had different copy and was erected and permitted in October of 1968. Permits had been issued for the two subject signs in the approximate location with different copy on them in October of 1968 or shortly thereafter. The new advertisers wanted the signs lighted and pay approximately $30 more per month for the lighted signs. The new signs now are much more visible. Both signs were elevated approximately ten (10) feet, new copy put on them and lights and catwalks added in April of 1976. Permits were applied for but the Petitioner Department of Transportation refused to issue permits stating that they were new signs, no new applications had been made and were obviously ineligible for permits inasmuch as the signs violated the setback requirements of Chapter 479 and the federal laws, rules, and regulations adopted by the Florida Legislature.

Recommendation Remove subject signs if said signs have not been removed by the owner within ten (10) days after entry of the final order herein, as no applications for permits were made or granted. DONE and ORDERED this 20th day of December, 1976 in Tallahassee, Florida. DELPHENE C. STRICKLAND Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings Room 530, Carlton Building Tallahassee, Florida 32304 (904) 488-9675 COPIES FURNISHED: George L. Waas, Esquire Department of Transportation Haydon Burns Building Tallahassee, Florida 32304 W. D. Rowland, Esquire Post Office Box 539 Winter Park , Florida 32789 George E. Hollis Branch Manager National Advertising Company Post Office Box 23208 Tampa, Florida 33622 Mr. Frank Whitesell Post Office Box 1089 Lake City, Florida 32055 Mr. O. E. Black, Administrator Outdoor Advertising Florida Department of Transportation Haydon Burns Building Tallahassee, Florida 32304

USC (1) 23 CFR 750.707 Florida Laws (10) 479.01479.02479.04479.07479.10479.11479.111479.16479.24775.082
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION vs. NATIONAL ADVERTISING COMPANY, 78-002421 (1978)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 78-002421 Latest Update: Nov. 12, 1981

The Issue At issue herein is whether or not the Petitioner is entitled to an order, requiring the removal of two signs involved herein which are owned by Respondent, pursuant to the Highway Beautification Act or Chapter 479, Florida Statutes, and if so, whether or not the Respondent is entitled to compensation from Petitioner for the value of such signs.

Findings Of Fact Based upon the testimony adduced at the hearing, the documentary evidence received, and the entire record compiled herein, the following relevant facts are found. At the commencement of the hearing, the parties stipulated that the Respondent, National Advertising Company, is the owner of certain outdoor advertising signs located in the City of Jacksonville, Florida. The parties also stipulated that Interstate 95 is part of the interstate highway system; that the two signs in question can be seen from Interstate 95 and the signs are located within 660 feet of the road's right-of-way. The parties also stipulated that only the poles which are used to erect the signs were in place prior to midnight on December 8, 1971. It appears that the poles were erected sometime during 1968, and that faces were added to the poles during the spring of 1972. The signs are located at .43 miles North of Pecan Park Road and .73 miles North of Pecan Park Road, respectively, adjacent to Interstate percent Highway 95. The Petitioner, Florida Department of Transportation, takes the position that since the faces were not on the signs prior to midnight on December 8, 1981, pursuant to Chapter 479, Florida Statutes, it is entitled to the entry of an order requiring removal of the signs by Respondent without any compensation for the signs whatsoever. Respondent, through counsel, moved that the hearing be dismissed on the ground that the Division of Administrative Hearings lacked jurisdiction to hear such matters, in that the signs may be removed only by proceeding under Florida's eminent domain law. 2/ It is undisputed that the signs involved are located within prohibited distances as provided in Chapter; 479.11, Florida Statutes. They are, therefore, a nonconforming structure as provided for within the terms of Chapter 479, Florida Statutes. In view of the stipulated facts, the structures involved herein do not constitute signs within the meaning of Chapter 479, Florida Statutes, since prior to midnight on December 8, 1971, all that existed of those structures were poles. See A. W. Lee, Jr. v. Reubin O'D. Askew, Case No.2-1798 (2nd DCA, 1979). Within the next year, however, Respondent erected advertising displays which had informative contents that were visible from the main traveled way. At that point, the structures herein became nonconforming outdoor advertising signs and were thereafter required to comply with pertinent State law in effect on that date.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is hereby RECOMMENDED: That the Petitioner, upon removal of the signs, remit to the Respondent compensation in the amount of the actual replacement value of the materials used in the signs. It is further recommended that compensation be made pursuant to the State's eminent domain procedures. 3/ RECOMMENDED this, 25th day of September, 1981, in Tallahassee, Florida. JAMES E. BRADWELL, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 25th day of September, 1981.

Florida Laws (3) 120.57479.11479.24
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION vs. HINSON OIL COMPANY, 83-003932 (1983)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 83-003932 Latest Update: May 21, 1990

Findings Of Fact The sign which is the subject of this proceeding was cited for violations of the Florida statutes and rules regulating outdoor advertising structures by notice of violation dated November 3, 1983, and served on the Respondent as owner of this sign. The subject sign is located on the north side of Interstate 10, 1.6 miles east of State Road 267, in Gadsden County, Florida. This structure is an outdoor sign, or display, or device, or figure, or painting, or drawing, or message, or placard, or poster, or billboard, or other thing, designed, intended or used to advertise or inform with all or part of its advertising or informative content visible from the main traveled way of Interstate 10. The structure is located within 660 feet of the nearest edge of the pavement of Interstate 10, as alleged in the violation notice dated November 3, 1983. The structure was located outside any incorporated city or town on the date it was built. The structure was not located in a commercial or industrial zoned or unzoned area on the date it was built. The structure was constructed, or erected, without a currently valid permit issued by the Department of Transportation; it was operated, used, or maintained without such a permit; and a Department of Transportation outdoor advertising permit has never been issued for the subject structure. The structure does not fall within any of the exceptions listed in Section 479.16, Florida Statutes. The structure was located adjacent to and visible from the main traveled way of a roadway open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular traffic in the State of Florida at the time it was built. The structure had affixed the copy or message as shown on the notice of violation when it was issued; namely, Texaco Next Exit Turn Left - Food Store. Hinson Oil Company is the owner of the sign or structure which is the subject of this proceeding.

Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the sign owned by the Respondent, Hinson Oil Company, located on the north side of Interstate 10, 1.6 miles east of State Road 267, in Gadsden County, Florida, be removed. DONE and ORDERED this 31st day of August, 1984, in Tallahassee, Florida. COPIES FURNISHED: Philip S. Bennett, Esquire Haydon Horns Building, MS-58 Tallahassee, Fl. 32301-8064 Mr. E. W. Hinson, Jr. Hinson Oil Company P O. Box 448 Quincy, Florida 32351 WILLIAM B. THOMAS, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 31st day of August, 1984. Paul Pappas Secretary Department of Transportation Haydon Burns Building Tallahassee, Florida 32301

Florida Laws (5) 120.57479.07479.11479.111479.16
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION vs. MAXMEDIA, INC., 82-002428 (1982)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 82-002428 Latest Update: May 11, 1983

Findings Of Fact Respondent owns a sign within 660 feet of the I-4 erected alongside SR 424A (Fairbanks Avenue) outside the corporate limits of Orlando or Winter Park, Florida, on the east side of I-4, an interstate highway. The sign is visible from the I-4 and the face of the sign is nearly parallel to the I-4. The sign is located within the interchange of the I-4, i.e., it is located within two lines running easterly and perpendicular to the commencement of the off ramp and end of the on ramp of the I-4 at the Fairbanks Avenue intersection. The I-4, which is considered to be an east-west highway, runs in a northwesterly-southeasterly direction where it crosses over Fairbanks Avenue, which runs generally east and west at this point. Respondent's sign is located in the vicinity (within 200 to 500 feet) of several signs erected by Peterson Advertising Company before 1971 and which are now permitted as nonconforming signs. These signs are erected along the curve of the eastbound (which at this location moves in a northwesterly direction) off ramp and are at varying angles with the I-4, but all can be seen from the I-4. Respondent's sign can be seen by both east and westbound traffic on the I-4; however, it is closer to the eastbound lane of traffic. Before the construction of this sign was completed, Respondent was advised the sign would not be permitted because it was within 1,000 feet of another sign on the same side of the I-4 facing in the same direction and within 500 feet of the interchange.

Florida Laws (3) 479.01479.02479.07
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WHITE ADVERTISING INTERNATIONAL vs. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, 77-000650 (1977)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 77-000650 Latest Update: Aug. 24, 1977

The Issue Whether the sign of Petitioner, White Advertising International, should be removed by the Respondent, Department of Transportation, for violation of Section 479.07(1) and Section 479.11(2), Florida Statutes, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Findings Of Fact A notice of violation was sent by the Respondent, Department of Transportation, to the Petitioner, White Advertising International, on March 21, 1977, citing an outdoor advertising sign owned by the Petitioner located 1.97 miles west of U.S. #1, State Road 50 E/B with copy "Real Estate Service." The violation noted that the sign violated Section 479.071(1), Florida Statutes, and Rule 14ER77-09 (now Rule 14-10.04) and Section 479.11(2), Florida Statutes, and Rule 14ER77-10, 11 (now Rule 14-10.05 and 14-10.06). There is no dispute as to the location or copy or ownership of the subject sign. It is not in a zoned business, commercial or industrial area and is outside an urban area. The sign does not conform to the current setback requirements. The sign has a permit tag dated 1971, the only permit tag on the sign. No application was alleged to have been made for permit or annual fee paid or offered subsequent to 1971 until the application noted in 4, infra. A sign permit application and annual renewal was processed by White Advertising International dated January 21, 1977. The application was an annual renewal for the year of "19 72-1976." The printed application form stated that, "The signs listed above meet all requirements of Chapter 479, Florida Statutes. Respondent, by its outdoor advertising section administrator, refused to grant the permit on the grounds that the sign which had been erected prior to the enactment of the current setback regulations and probably in the year 1967 had had no application for permit or annual fee paid since 1971 and therefore having become an illegal sign, no permit could be issued. The Petitioner sign company introduced into evidence a letter dated February 28, 1977, from Respondent, Department of Transportation, through its property management administrator which indicated that the State had previously contended the subject sign was built on an unplatted street and had to be removed without compensation but that it was discovered such was not the case and that the State then offered to reimburse Petitioner for relocation costs. Petitioner did not remove the sign and the letter states that the current position of the Respondent State is: That the sign is on the right of way, contrary to Section 339.301, Florida Statutes; Has no current permit; contrary to Section 479.07(1), F.S. Violates Section 479.13, Florida Statutes, as having been constructed, erected, operated, used and maintained without the written permission of the owner or other person in lawful possession or control of the property on which the sign is located; and The sign therefore is an illegal sign and must be removed by Petitioner without compensation. Respondent contends: that the sign is illegal, having failed to be permitted since the year 1971; that it has one pole of the sign pole on the right of way contrary to Section 339.301; that it has no lease contract as required by Section 479.13; that Respondent has no authority to renew delinquent permits; that once a sign becomes illegal a new permit cannot reinstate its nonconforming status. Petitioner, White Advertising International, contends: that it should be granted a permit inasmuch as permits for some signs had been granted by the Respondent although the annual permit fee was not timely made.

Recommendation Remove subject sign if the same has not been removed within thirty (30) days from the date of the Final Order. DONE and ORDERED this 6th day of July, 1977, in Tallahassee, Florida. DELPHENE C. STRICKLAND Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings Room 530, Carlton Building Tallahassee, Florida 32304 (904) 488-9675 COPIES FURNISHED: Philip S. Bennett, Esquire Department of Transportation Haydon Burns Building Tallahassee, Florida 32304 William D. Rowland, Esquire White Advertising International Post Office Box 626 Titusville, Florida

Florida Laws (5) 479.07479.11479.111479.16479.24
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COREY OUTDOOR ADVERTISING vs. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, 85-003704 (1985)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 85-003704 Latest Update: Feb. 28, 1986

Findings Of Fact The Petitioner has applied for a permit, and proposes to erect an outdoor advertising sign on the north side of SR 424A, 650 feet east of I-4, in Orange County, Florida. State Road 424A is also known as Fairbanks Avenue. This location is within 660 feet of Interstate 4, and the proposed sign would be visible to traffic on I-4. The Department of Transportation has issued a permit to Peterson Outdoor Advertising for an outdoor advertising sign located approximately 375 feet from the Petitioner's proposed signsite on the same side of I-4, and a sign has been erected by Peterson Outdoor Advertising at this point.

Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the application of Cory Outdoor Advertising, Inc., for a permit to erect an outdoor advertising sign on the north side of SR 424A, 650 feet east of I-4, in Orange County, Florida, be denied. THIS RECOMMENDED ORDER entered this 28th day of February, 1986, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. WILLIAM B. THOMAS Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearing The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida (904) 488-9675 FILED with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 28th day of February, 1986. COPIES FURNISHED: Gary E. Massey, Esquire 112 West Citrus Street Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714-2579 Philip S. Bennett, Esquire Haydon Burns Bldg., M.S. 58 Tallahassee, Florida 32301-8064 Hon. Thomas E. Drawdy Secretary Department of Transportation Haydon Burns Bldg. Tallahassee, Florida 32301

Florida Laws (5) 120.57479.01479.11479.111479.16
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