User:Moberho/sandbox

Billboard collapse in 2002
On August 1, 2002, a 35,000-pound billboard collapsed during its installation at the corner of Dogwood Road and GA SR 124. The collapse killed brothers Josh and Anthony Fowler and Lance Stofiel. Clyde Elrod was the only survivor. The collapse also destroyed two unoccupied vehicles and the side of the building it was above.

The city issued a statement blaming the accident on a federal court decision that threw out the city's restrictions on tall billboards. Trinity Outdoor and Interstate Outdoor Advertising had sued to overturn the restrictions.

After lengthy inspections by the city, which included the removal of other billboards throughout the city for repairs, the city had no choice but to reissue permits as allowed by the court order.

As of 2006, the collapsed billboard had been rebuilt and remains standing along with others throughout the city.

In response to the collapse and court order, the City now requires all new building and zoning requests to stipulate that they will not allow the construction of billboards for any purpose.

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