Fall Zone – A Unique Case

Clyde B. Johnson, SR/WA, R/W-URAC, R/W-RACCardnoTBE & Clyde B. Johnson, Consultant Services, Inc.

515 Wellspring CourtAlpharetta, Georgia 30004

clydebjohnson@comcast.net(c) 678-350-3675

Back in the day!

Now we have signs that exceed far exceed the set back distance!

These signs do fall for various reasons!

Monopole, blown down by Tornado!

Interesting note on regulations!

In 23 CFR Part 710 – Airspace

When a request to utilize airspace (above or below) aninterstate facility (federal-aid route) is received an “Airspaceagreement” must be executed and in that agreement the “applicant” must provide “insurance” that will cover the facility (interstate) against any damages etc….

In 2002 a sign collapsed in the City of Snellville, Georgia

Billboard several hours after collapse!

Initial key issues!

• On August 1, 2002, a 35,000 pound billboard collapsed 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 destroyed two unoccupied vehicles and the side of the building it was above.

• The City issued a statement blaming the accident on a recent 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.

Subsequent issues!

• Reported as “the only time in the United States that a billboard has collapsed!

• Subsequently the collapse was blamed on “design flaws”.

• Inspection resulted in 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.

In response to the collapse!

• The City of Johns Creek now requires all new building and zoning request to stipulate that they will not allow the construction of for any purpose on their structure.

• The city developed a “ordinance” to address the problem and established a,

• “Fall Zone”!

City of Johns Creek Ordinance

Ordinance actually referenced the Snellville accident!

Section 25 - Construction Standards

(F) Fall Zone. The lot on which any sign twenty (20) feet or greater in height is located shall have sufficient area to accommodate the Fall Zone, and excepting the sign, no buildings, structures or appurtenances shall be contained in the Fall Zone. Existing buildings, structures or appurtenances within the Fall Zone shall be deemed non-conforming and may not be enlarged or altered beyond ordinary maintenance and repair.

NAHBA Fall Zone Survey

35 States responded

4 indicated yes

Local Governments

Tx Indicate sure but didn’t haveresources to Identify!!

More recent incidents!

A billboard on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway between Meeker Ave. and Metropolitan Ave. has collapsed and fallen onto the highway and street below. The billboard fell 200 feet, and is blocking off traffic on the BQE. The National Weather Service had issued a Wind Advisory for the tristate region this morning, with winds hitting up to 45 MPH.

..Four shoppers were injured after a 15-foot billboard of Kate Moss collapsed on top of them. The wooden advertisement, featuring the supermodel for fashion brand Mango, injured the passers-by on Oxford Street, Britain's busiest road. Three women and a man were taken to hospital, one with a suspected back injury, while others suffered minor injuries.

Even in Britain!

Questions?