§ 22-3. Motor vehicle racetracks; location restrictions; application of section.

(a)

It is declared to be the public policy of the General Assembly to protect and promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the people of this state. Although the General Assembly recognizes that the state and its citizens derive numerous economic and personal benefits from the motor vehicle racetrack business, there are, nonetheless, measurable damages and injuries to the environment and to the public health which may be directly attributable to byproducts of motor vehicle racing, including, but not limited to, air pollution, noise, traffic congestion, litter, and other nuisances. Inasmuch as the Environmental Protection Agency has declared Fulton County to be an area already dangerously high in air pollutants, the General Assembly finds that this section is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety.

(b)

On and after July 1, 1995, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to operate or conduct any motor vehicle race on any permanent racetrack or other place where such races are to be held which is located within a two-mile radius of a preexisting residential neighborhood in Fulton County.

(c)

This section shall not apply to a permanent motor vehicle racetrack or other place where such races are to be held which is in existence and licensed for operation pursuant to general law requirements prior to July 1, 1995.

(1995 Ga. Laws (Act No. 481), page 4497, § 1)