Are LED Signs Allowed in Acworth, Cobb County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes. Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs—commonly called digital or LED message boards—are permitted in certain zoning districts within the City of Acworth, Cobb County, Georgia. However, they are strictly regulated in terms of placement, brightness, animation, and district eligibility.
What the Acworth Code Says
According to Section 74 of the Acworth Code of Ordinances, electronic message boards are classified as changeable copy signs. These are allowed only in designated commercial and industrial districts and must follow strict standards regarding size, illumination, and operating hours.
“Electronic changeable copy signs shall be allowed only in districts where monument, freestanding, or wall signs are permitted, provided the display does not include flashing, scrolling, or animation.”
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Acworth Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Acworth Zoning & GIS Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | General Commercial (GC), Light Industrial (LI), and Highway 41 Corridor districts |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Monument, Freestanding, and Wall signs |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in Right-of-Way (ROW) | ❌ No |
| Minimum setback required | 10 ft from property line or as specified by zoning district |
| Use restrictions | Only for on-premise advertising by commercial, institutional, or industrial users |
| Brightness limit | Must automatically dim between sunset and sunrise; maximum brightness 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light |
| Animation / flashing | ❌ Not permitted |
| Static message hold time | Minimum of 8 seconds before transition |
| Transition type | Fade or instantaneous only (no scrolling or video) |
Zoning District Overview
The City of Acworth’s zoning map determines whether EMC signs are allowed on a particular property. Below is a simplified overview of the major districts that allow them:
| District | EMC Allowed | Max Area | Max Height | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GC – General Commercial | ✅ Yes | 100 sq ft | 20 ft | EMC may occupy up to 50% of total sign face |
| LI – Light Industrial | ✅ Yes | 150 sq ft | 25 ft | Must be a monument or freestanding sign |
| Highway 41 Corridor Overlay | ✅ Yes (limited) | 75 sq ft | 15 ft | Subject to design standards for landscaping and materials |
| CBD – Central Business District | ❌ No | — | — | EMCs prohibited to preserve historic character |
| Residential zones | ❌ No | — | — | Digital signage not permitted |
Permit Filing Requirements
To install an electronic message center sign in Acworth, the following are required:
-
Sign Permit Application from the Community Development Department
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Electrical Permit (if illuminated)
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Site plan showing location, dimensions, and setbacks
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Manufacturer’s specification sheet for brightness and auto-dimming features
Permit fee: Determined by sign area and zoning district.
Typical approval time: 2–3 weeks (longer if variances are requested).
Local Example (Illustrative)
A car dealership along Cobb Parkway recently installed a 6′×10′ EMC monument sign. The sign complies with all setback and brightness requirements and automatically dims at night. Because it is located in a GC district, the project was approved without a variance.
Full Ordinance Text (Excerpt)
“Electronic changeable copy signs shall be permitted only where monument, freestanding, or wall signs are allowed. All electronic displays must remain static for a minimum of eight seconds between message changes, and animation, flashing, or video displays are prohibited.”
— City of Acworth Code § 74-57
External References
🗺️ Acworth Zoning & GIS Map
📘 Acworth Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal