The Issue Whether two signs owned by Respondent Simbo's Restaurant-Auto-Truck Stop, one located along Interstate 10 approximately .8 of a mile east of State Road 79 and the other located along Interstate 10 approximately .8 of a mile west of State Road 79, each bearing the copy: "Simbo's Restaurant-Auto-Truck Stop Next Exit-Open 24 Hours", are in violation of Section 479.07, Florida Statutes and Section 479.11, Florida Statutes, neither of which have been granted a permit and both of which are within twenty (20) feet of the right-of-way of Interstate 10.
Findings Of Fact No permit has been issued to or is affixed to either of the subject signs. The distance from the fence running parallel to Interstate 10 to the sign located approximately .8 of a mile west of State Road 79 is fourteen and one-half feet. The distance from the fence running parallel to Interstate 10 to the sign located approximately .8 of a mile east of State Road 79 is five and eight-tenths feet. The distances from both signs to the edge of the right-of- way of Interstate 10 are less than five hundred (500) feet. No application for the erection of either sign was made prior to the erection of the signs. These signs were erected in the first half of the year 1976 on private property. The Respondent contends that the classifications established in the Florida Outdoor Advertising Law, Chapter 479, violated the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution. There is no merit to this contention.
Recommendation Remove subject signs if such signs have not been removed by the owner within ten (10) days after the final order herein. DONE and ORDERED this 5th day of January, 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: George L. Waas, Esquire Department of Transportation Haydon Burns Building Tallahassee, Florida 32304 J. D. Bodiford, Esquire Post Office Box 1022 Panama City, Florida 32401 Mr. J. E. Jordan District Sign Coordinator Department of Transportation Post Office Box 607 Chipley, Florida 32428
Findings Of Fact On March 24, 1982, the Department received the Respondent's applications for two permits for signs proposed to be erected on the west side of Interstate 95 approximately 1400 feet north of the intersection of Linton Boulevard, outside the city limits of Delray Beach, Florida. The proposed signs were back-to-back, one facing north and one facing south. Interstate 95 in Palm Beach County is part of the Federal Interstate Highway Systems, and at the times which are pertinent to this proceeding I-95 was open for use by the public. On April 29, 1982, the Department approved the two sign applications which the Respondent had applied for, and issued tag numbers AG 732-12 and AG 733-12. The signs for which the subject permits were issued were not erected. On March 9, 1983, the Department informed the Respondent that State Sign Permits numbered 732-12 and 733-12, for the signs which are the subject of this proceeding, were being revoked for the reason that the location is within 500 feet of a restricted interchange. The site of the proposed signs is 1400 feet from the intersection of Linton Boulevard and Interstate 95, but this site is also within 500 feet of the beginning of the narrowing of the exit ramp from I-95 at its connection with Linton Boulevard, measured linearly along the road right-of-way. The Department concedes that it issued the subject sign permits in error. The Respondent spent or incurred expenses for poles, permits, storage of poles, delivery of poles, office costs, attorney fees, and labor, in connection with the signs proposed to be erected at the subject site, and the Respondent was not able to consummate the negotiations with Holiday Inn for rental of the proposed signs.
Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the permits issued by the Department to the Respondent for back-to-back signs on the west side of Interstate 95, approximately 1400 feet north of the Linton Boulevard interchange in Palm Beach County, be revoked. THIS RECOMMENDED ORDER entered this 21 day of October, 1983, in Tallahassee, 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 21st day of October, 1983. COPIES FURNISHED: Charles G. Gardner, Esquire Haydon Burns Building, M.S. 58 Tallahassee, Florida 32301-8064 Harold A. Greene, Esquire 1578 East Commercial Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33334 ================================================================= AGENCY FINAL ORDER ================================================================= STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Petitioner, vs. CASE NO. 83-1134T INTERNATIONAL BILLBOARD ADVERTISING, Respondent. /
Findings Of Fact Respondent, Maxmedia Outdoor Advertising, Inc., owns and maintains a V- shaped sign located on State Road 551 (Goldenrod Road) in Orange County, Florida, north of State Road 50. State outdoor advertising sign permits were obtained for both sides of the "V" in May 1986. The applications for permit stated that the sign was 15 feet from the right-of- way. Sometime prior to June 1, 1989, Department of Transportation (DOT) Outdoor Advertising Inspector, Michael Dollery, inspected the sign in question. He found that no state permits were displayed and that the sign encroached on the state right-of-way. A follow-up inspection was conducted on September 15, 1989, and the same findings were made. In determining that the sign encroached on the right-of-way, the inspector utilized a DOT right-of-way survey map (Petitioner's Exhibit #4), prepared in 1987, approved on 5/12/88, and updated most recently on 5/8/89. The inspector also located a right-of-way survey marker in the field and photographed the sign in relation to the marker. Both the survey and photograph plainly indicate that approximately five feet of both sides of the "V" extend into the right-of-way. Since the sign has two sides and two permits, separate violation notices were issued. The two violation notices are the subject of Division of Administrative Hearings cases #89-3819T and #89-3820T. Respondent does not contest the DOT survey and did not object to its admissibility. He did not produce his own survey nor any basis for his contention that the sign was proper at the time of erection. In DOAH Case #89-3821T, the sign at issue is located within the incorporated limits of the City of Lake Mary in Seminole County, Florida, at an interchange of 1-4 and Lake Mary Boulevard. The sign is owned and maintained by Respondent, Maxmedia. It is "V" shaped, with the apex of the "V" pointing at Lake Mary Boulevard. It is within 660 feet of the interstate (I-4) and is approximately 850 feet from a 2-faced permitted billboard located across Lake Mary Boulevard. The sign is 20 feet high. DOT has no record of a permit for this sign, nor was one displayed at the time of inspection. DOT's District Outdoor Administrator claims that the sign is visible from the main travel-way of 1-4. DOT issued its notice of violation only for the west face of the sign, since that is the side which faces the interstate. As depicted on a DOT right-of-way survey (Petitioner's Exhibit #8), the offending face of the sign runs lengthwise, parallel to 1-4. Respondent claims that the sign was purposefully built only 20 feet high, instead of the more common 50 feet, so that it would not be visible from 1-4. The sign was placed to be read from Lake Mary Boulevard. Respondent submitted a series of photographs taken from 1-4 and from Lake Mary Boulevard, including the portion of Lake Mary Boulevard overpass over 1-4. The sign is distinctly lower than the other signs which are visible from 1-4. The sign is visible from Lake Mary Boulevard but is obscured by the tree line when viewed from 1-4. Even assuming that the subject sign structure could be viewed from 1-4, a passer-by on 1-4 would have to quickly turn and crane his neck to read the sign, given its parallel orientation. Respondent claims that the placement of the sign was based on a consultation, on-site, with DOT's former District Supervisor, Oscar Irwin, who concurred that the sign would not be an "Interstate 4 reader." The sign was permitted by the City of Lake Mary on October 17, 1984. According to the federal highway system map of Seminole County (Petitioner's Exhibit #6) Lake Mary Boulevard is not part of the federal-aid primary highway system.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing, it is hereby, RECOMMENDED: That a Final Order be entered requiring that the sign in Cases #89-3819T and #89-3820T be removed, and dismissing the notice of violations in Case #89- 3821T. DONE AND RECOMMENDED this 27th day of October, 1989, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. MARY CLARK Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1550 (904)488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 27th day of October, 1989. COPIES FURNISHED: Vernon L. Whittier, Jr., Attorney Department of Transportation 605 Suwannee Street, M.S. 58 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0458 Mac Davidson Maxmedia Outdoor Advertising Post Office Box 847 Winter Park, Florida 32790 Ben G. Watts, P.E., Interim Secretary Attn: Eleanor F. Turner, M.S. 58 Department of Transportation Haydon Burns Bldg. 605 Suwannee Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0458 Thomas H. Bateman, III General Counsel Department of Transportation 562 Haydon Burns Bldg. 605 Suwannee Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0458
Findings Of Fact Based upon the testimony of the witnesses and the documentary evidence received at the hearing, the following findings of fact are made: The Department is the state agency charged with the responsibility under law of regulating and controlling outdoor advertising signs such as the one at issue in these proceedings. The Respondent, Marcent Florida, Inc., maintains or controls an outdoor advertising sign located at the intersection of Sandlake Road (State Road 482) and Interstate 4. The sign is located on property belonging to Grenada N.V. but Respondent has permission to maintain the sign at the location. The sign is approximately 14 feet by 48 feet, is 30 feet above ground, and, according to Respondent, "looks similar to a standard roadside billboard." At all times material to this case, the above-described sign did not have a valid DOT sign permit. At all times material to this case, the above-described sign contained language advertising lakefront, lakeview, homesites at North Bay. Additionally, the sign advertised a development known as Park Terrace. Both of the referenced developments are off-site and not immediately adjacent to the subject property. At all times material to this case, the above-referenced sign was located two hundred feet west of the center line of Sand Lake Road. Further, the sign was fifteen feet back from the right-of-way. The subject sign was erected in approximately 1985 or 1986 and is within 1500 feet of a DOT permitted sign. After Respondent received the notice of alleged violations, it made efforts to alter the language of the sign so that it would only advertise the availability of the property on which it is placed. To the date of the hearing, such changes had not been completed.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing, it is RECOMMENDED: That the Department of Transportation enter a final order finding the subject sign to be in violation of Chapter 479 as set forth above. DONE and ENTERED this 21st day of January, 1992, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. JOYOUS D. PARRISH Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904)488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 21st day of January, 1992. APPENDIX TO RECOMMENDED ORDER RULINGS ON THE PROPOSED FINDINGS OF FACT SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER: Paragraphs 1 through 4 are accepted. Paragraph 5 is rejected as irrelevant or contrary to the weight of the evidence. Paragraphs 6 and 7 are accepted. Paragraph 8 is rejected as irrelevant or argument. Paragraphs 9 and 10 are accepted. Paragraph 11 is accepted. Paragraph 12 is rejected as irrelevant or argument. RULINGS ON THE PROPOSED FINDINGS OF FACT SUBMITTED BY THE RESPONDENT: 1. Paragraphs 1 through 9 are rejected as irrelevant, argument or fact not supported by the weight of the evidence. COPIES FURNISHED: Jay O. Barber Assistant General Counsel Department of Transportation 605 Suwannee Street, M.S. 58 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0458 Thomas M. Ramsberger Akerman, Senterfitt & Eidson Firstate Tower 255 Orange Avenue Post Office Box 231 Orlando, Florida 32802-0231 Thornton J. Williams General Counsel Department of Transportation 562 Haydon Burns Building 605 Suwannee Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0458 Ben G. Watts, Secretary ATTN: Eleanor F. Turner, M.S. 58 Department of Transportation 562 Haydon Burns Building 605 Suwannee Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0458
Findings Of Fact The Petitioner, Carter Signs is in the business of outdoor advertising which includes the installation, repair and maintenance of signs, billboards, or displays on real property. Pursuant to a twenty-year term lease that began on March 1, 1988, the Petitioner has leased the real property described as: Strap No. 344525-00- 00002.000 lying east of 1-75, in Lee County, Florida. The lease describes the specific intended use of the real property under the lease. The lessee has agreed to use and occupy the premises solely for the purpose of outdoor advertising. The real property is located in Lee County, Florida, within 660 feet of Interstate Highway 75, a highway in the interstate highway system. The property is approximately 1.5 miles south of the Daniel Road interchange on the east side of the highway. The Lee County Comprehensive Plan, which has been enacted by the county, designates the area in which real property is located as "Airport Commerce." Under the plan, this land is approved for "mixed use developments consisting of light manufacturing or assembly, warehousing and distribution facilities; offices; ground transportation and airport related interconnection activity; and hotels/motels, meeting facilities and other hospitality services." The Petitioner's application to Lee County for a permit to erect the proposed sign on the property was approved. The county permit shows that the property is zoned "agricultural." If the "agricultural" zoning classification is violated, the county permit becomes void. The application for permit to the Department was denied because Section 479.111(2), Florida Statutes, allows signs within a controlled portion of an interstate highway only if the sign is within a commercial-zoned area, an industrial-zoned area, a commercial-unzoned area or industrial-unzoned area. In this case, the proposed sign was to be placed in an agriculturally zoned area.
Findings Of Fact A notice was sent to the Respondent on the 11th day of May, 1977, alleging violation of Section 479.07(1), 479.11(1), Florida Statutes, for the reason that the sign owned by the Respondent had no permit attached thereto and was located within 15 feet of the right of way of the secondary road. Respondent's sign is painted on a guard rail which had been erected in front of the residence which stood at the east/west end of the intersection or "T" of State Road 707 and State Road 707A. The copy on the sign which was in two parts read: "Indian River Beverage Deli Take-out Catering" and a telephone number "333-5600--1 1/2 miles South" with an arrow indicating a southerly direction. The immediate area of the residence protected by the guard rail includes a parking lot and a trailer park. The sign advertises the business of the Respondent located 1 1/2 miles from the zone. The sign is approximately 6 feet from the edge of the pavement of the secondary road. No permit was applied for or secured before the sign was painted on the guard rail. Petitioner contends that the sign must be removed inasmuch as it sits less than 15 feet from the edge of the paved secondary road and that no permit was applied for or secured. Respondent contends that he assumed that the owner of the guard rail had gotten a permit to erect the guard rail and that the guard rail was erected to protect the house inasmuch as the house had been invaded by traveling automobiles seven times in seven years. He further contended that the sign was all dirty and rusty, and he made an agreement with the owner of the property to paint the sign and that it was sandblasted, cleaned up and painted in white and made traveling on the state road safer as well as advertising his establishment.
Recommendation Remove the sign unless it has been removed within five (5) days after final order is issued. DONE and ENTERED this 19th day of December, 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 Mr. O. E. Black, Administrator Outdoor Advertising Section Department of Transportation Haydon Burns Building Tallahassee, Florida 32304 Martin K. Hawthorne Indian River Beverage, Inc. 2222 Indian River Drive Jensen Beach, Florida 33457
Findings Of Fact The Respondent, J. B. Davis, Inc., owns an outdoor advertising sign which is situated on the south side of I-10, .14 mile west of C-255, in Madison County, Florida. The sign faces eastbound traffic. I-10 is a part of the interstate highway system, and it is open to traffic. The subject sign is visible from the main traveled way of I-10. There is no zoning in Madison County, Florida. The subject sign has been erected and is situated beyond 800 feet from any existing business, and it is within 660 feet from the right-of-way of I-10. The subject sign does not have a permit issued by the Department of Transportation.
Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Respondent's sign situated on the south side of I-10, .14 mile west of C-255, facing eastbound traffic, in Madison County, Florida, be removed. THIS RECOMMENDED ORDER entered this 3rd day of April, 1985, in Tallahassee, 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 3rd day of April, 1985. COPIES FURNISHED: Philip S. Bennett, Esquire Haydon Burns Building, Mail Station 58 Tallahassee, Florida 32301-8064 Mr. J. B. Davis President J. B. Davis, Inc. Base and Duval Streets Madison, Florida 32340 Hon. Paul A. Pappas Secretary Department of Transportation Haydon Burns Building Tallahassee, Florida 32301
The Issue Whether the signs of Respondent, Cannon Motel, should be removed for violation of Chapter 499, Florida Statutes, improper setback and no permit to erect the signs.
Findings Of Fact Cannon Motels, Inc. was served with a violation notice on October 18, 1976. The alleged violation was that the Cannon Motel signs were in violation of the state statute inasmuch as they had been erected without first obtaining a permit from the Petitioner, Department of Transportation, and they violate the setback requirements of Chapter 479. Petitioner, by certified letter dated November 11, 1976, requested an administrative hearing. Respondent moved to continue the hearing on the grounds of improper venue, lack of jurisdiction and failure by Petitioner to follow the technical rules. The motion was denied for the reason that the venue was proper being in the district in which a permit for an outdoor advertising sign must be obtained; the Hearing Officer has jurisdiction under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes, and the parties were fully advised of the issue to be heard. The subject signs each read "Cannon Motel." One is located one-half mile west of State Road 85 facing Interstate 10 and the other is located 1.3 riles east of State Road 85 facing Interstate 10. The sign east of State Road 85 is 30 by 12 and is approximately 18 feet from the nearest edge of the right of way. The sign that is west of State Read 85 is approximately 38 feet from the nearest edge of the right of way. Both signs were erected within 660 feet of the federal aid primary road without applying for or securing a permit from the Florida Department of Transportation. At some time prior to the hearing but after the erection of the signs, the area in which the sign located west of State Road 85 was erected was annexed by Crescent City, Florida. That area in which the signs are located is unzoned by the city and zoned agriculture by Okaloosa County.
Recommendation Remove the subject signs within ten (10) days of the filing of the Final Order. DONE and ORDERED this 31st day of October, 1977, in Tallahassee, Florida. DELPHENE C. STRICKLAND Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Carlton Building Room 530 Tallahassee, Florida 32304 (904) 488-9675 COPIES FURNISHED: Philip S. Bennett, Esquire Department of Transportation Haydon Burns Building Tallahassee, Florida 32304 James E. Moore, Esquire Moore and Anchors Post Office Box 746 Niceville, Florida 32578
Findings Of Fact The Respondent, J.B. Davis, Inc., owns an outdoor advertising sign which is situated on the north side of I-10, .33 mile west of U.S. 221, in Madison County, Florida. This sign faces eastbound traffic, and it is not in any incorporated city or town. I-10 is a part of the interstate highway system, and it is open to traffic. The subject sign is visible from the main traveled way of I-10. The subject sign has been erected and is situated within 500 feet of a restricted interchange. The subject sign does not have a permit issued by the Department of Transportation. There is no zoning in Madison County, Florida. The subject sign has been erected and is situated beyond 800 feet from any existing business, and it is within 660 feet from the right-of-way of I-10.
Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is: RECOMMENDED that the Respondent's sign situated on the north side of I-10, .33 miles west of U.S. 221, facing eastbound traffic, in Madison County, Florida, be removed. THIS RECOMMENDED ORDER ENTERED this 3rd day of April, 1985. 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 3rd day of March, 1985. COPIES FURNISHED: Philip S. Bennett, Esquire Haydon Burns Building, M.S. 58 Tallahassee, Florida 32301-8064 Mr. J. B. Davis, President Paul A. Pappas, Secretary J. B. Davis, Inc. Haydon Burns Building, Room 562 Base and Duval Streets Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Madison, Florida 32340
Findings Of Fact The Respondent, Empire Outdoor Advertising, Inc., is the owner of a sign located on the westbound or north side of Northwest 54th Street approximately 20 feet east of Northwest 12th Avenue, in Dade County, Florida. Northwest 54th Street is also designated as State Road 25A. The Respondent's sign is a structure or billboard designed to advertise or inform, and its copy is visible from the main traveled way of the adjacent roadway of State Road 25A or Northwest 54th Street. At the site where the Respondent's sign is located, State Road 25A or Northwest 54th Street is a part of the federal- aid primary highway system, and this roadway is open to the public for vehicular traffic. The Respondent's sign is located within 660 feet from the nearest edge of the pavement of State Road 25A. The Respondent's sign is situated within 500 feet from another outdoor advertising structure on the same side of the highway. These two signs face in the same direction and are both visible to westbound traffic on the north side of State Road 25A or Northwest 54th Street. The Respondent's sign has affixed to it copy which advertises Kraft Barbecue Sauce. This structure does not fall within any of the exceptions to the statutory licensing requirements set forth in Section 479.16, Florida Statutes, and it must have a state sign permit. The Respondent has not applied for an outdoor advertising permit from the Department, and no such permit has been issued by the Department for the subject sign.
Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Department enter its Final Order finding the Respondent's sign which is the subject of this proceeding to be in violation of the applicable statutes and rules, and ordering its removal. THIS RECOMMENDED ORDER entered this 25th day of January, 1984, in Tallahassee, 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 25th day of January, 1984. COPIES FURNISHED Charles G. Gardner, Esquire Haydon Burns Building, M.S. 58 Tallahassee, Florida 32301-8064 L. Martin Reeder, Jr., Esquire Post Office Box 2637 Palm Beach, Florida 33480
