Zoning committee approves digital billboard on Peachtree Street despite staff and ZRB opposition

The Zoning Committee authorized construction of a digital, changeable billboard and supporting structures at 218 Peachtree Street NE on a 5'to'1 vote, overriding the staff and Zoning Review Board recommendations to deny the application.

Director Hietta Holmes introduced Item 7 (Z-2,574), presented as an ordinance by Council Member Jason Dozier to authorize the billboard and its supporting structures. Holmes said staff recommended denial; meeting materials recorded mixed recommendations (MP recommended approval; ZRB recommended denial). Council Member Wayne Martin moved to approve the measure; Council Member Thomas Worthy seconded. The committee approved the motion with five members voting in favor and one opposed. There were no recorded abstentions.

The vote reflects a divergence between staff/ZRB advice and the committee majority. The transcript does not record extended public testimony for this item during the meeting; the committee did not identify specific conditions attached to the approval on the record.

The committee's decision advances the proposal at the committee level; additional city approvals or permitting steps may follow before construction could proceed.