This PNE AOA billboard just south of Dillsboro on U.S. 441 has caused legal action from two directions - government against private and visa versa. Department of Transportation officials are considering legal action against the sign company, including possibly removing the sign, because it was erected against state regulations. And the Pisgah Forest billboard company has filed suit against Jackson County for, it says, denying its rights as the result of a 120-day moratorium against off-premise sign construction.
- Herald photo by Rose HooperBy Lisa Majors-Duff
A Pisgah Forest company that allegedly erected a billboard illegally near Dillsboro has filed suit against Jackson County for denying its constitutional rights with an off-premise sign moratorium.PNE AOA Media filed suit against Jackson County last week, claiming a 120-day moratorium on off-premise signs has prevented it from obtaining a permit to advertise on a sign it erected in August on U.S. 441. The sign company further claims that the county's moratorium is not valid since no public notice was given prior to its adoption.
PNE AOA officials indicate in their suit that the county's moratorium is the only thing standing in their way of collecting advertising fees from customers who wish to use the sign.
Moratorium continued . . .