Rule 672-8-.08. Screening Criteria

1. (1) Plan for Screening of Junkyards Established after April 6, 1967.

   1. (a) The screening shall be located on the owner's land and not on any part of the highway right-of-way.
   2. (b) The screen shall be in place prior to the time the junk is deposited.
   3. (c) At no time after the screen is established shall the junk be stacked high enough to be visible above the screen. No junk shall be placed outside of the screened areas.
   4. (d) Fences must be located in such a manner as to not be hazardous to the traveling public.
   5. (e) The construction of fences shall be uniform and no patchwork type of construction shall be permitted.
   6. (f) When fences are painted, the paint used shall be of a color so as to blend into the environs of the highway right-of-way.

2. (2) Acceptable Fencing Materials. Acceptable fencing hall include fences of steel or other metals, durable woods such as heart cypress, redwood, or other wood treated with a preservative, or walls of masonry. Some of the types acceptable are:

   1. (a) Chain link type with aluminum, steel, plastic, or wooden slat inserts.
   2. (b) Wooden types of basket weave, palisade, louver, or other suitable design.
   3. (c) Walls of masonry including plain or ornamental concrete block, block, brick, stone, or other suitable masonry material.

   4. (d) An earth wall, if properly designed, grassed, and landscaped.

      Note: The above types of fencing and walls appearing in subparagraphs (2) (a), (b), (c), and (d) above are given for examples only. Any other design of fencing constructed of other materials may be submitted to the Department for consideration.

3. (3) Plant Material.*

   1. (a) All plant material shall be predominantly evergreen and approved by the Commissioner.

   2. (b) The minimum size of plant material at the time of planting shall be as follows:

      1. 1. Large trees deciduous: 1" - 11/2" caliper (Maples, Sycamore, Sweetgum)
      2. 2. Small trees: 4' - 5' in height (Hawthorn, crepe myrtle, etc.)
      3. 3. Evergreen trees: 4' - 5' in height (Pinus, Magnolia, etc.)
      4. 4. Evergreen shrubs: 21/2' - 3' in height (including Elaeaqnus, Abelia, etc.)

4. (4) Maintenance. The owner or owners of any junkyard shall maintain the screening established initially, doing such painting and repairs to keep any fences, walls or other structural material in good appearance. Plant material shall be watered, cultivated, or mulched, and given any required maintenance including spraying for insect control, to keep the planting in a good healthy condition. Dead or destroyed plant material will be removed immediately and shall be replaced during the next spring or fall planting season. The replacement plants shall be at least as large as the initial planting.

   * Note: All plant materials shall be grown in a certified nursery and shall meet the requirements of the American Standard for Nursery Stock.

5. (5) Junkyards Screened by the Department. The owner or owners of any junkyard lawfully in existence on April 6, 1967, and which has been screened from view of the highway by the Department may not extend the deposit of junk beyond such screening so as to be visible from the main traveled way of the highway. Any such extension shall be screened by the owner at his own expense and such screening shall be subject to these rules and regulations. Piling of junk above planned height of screening established by the Department is prohibited.

Authority: Ga. L. 1973, pp. 947, 1069 as amended (Ga. Code of Public Transportation, § 95A-908); Ga. L. 1973, pp. 947, 982 (Ga. Code of Public Transportation, § 95A-303).

History. Original Rule entitled "Screening Criteria" was filed on December 13, 1978; effective January 2, 1979.