Are LED Signs Allowed in Allentown, Bleckley County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes, but with significant limitations.
Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs — also known as changeable copy or digital display signs — are recognized under Bleckley County’s sign ordinance (Chapter 58, Article III). However, they are only allowed in certain nonresidential districts, and not typically permitted within residential zones such as Allentown’s core area.
Code Reference:
“Changeable copy signs may be permitted in nonresidential districts provided that illumination, movement, and placement comply with all applicable sign regulations.”
— Bleckley County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 58, Article III – Signs
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Allentown Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Allentown Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional zones |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Monument, Freestanding, or Wall-mounted |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌No |
| EMCs in ROW | ❌Not allowed |
| Minimum setback required | Minimum 10 ft from property line or right-of-way |
| Use restrictions | On-premise use only (business, church, school, etc.) |
| Message change frequency | Minimum display duration of 6 seconds |
| Brightness control | Required: automatic dimming based on ambient light |
| Animation / Scrolling | ❌Not permitted |
Zoning District Overview
Bleckley County’s sign ordinance applies differently across zoning categories:
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Residential Zones (R-1, R-2, etc.) – EMCs not permitted.
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Commercial & Industrial Zones (C, I) – EMCs allowed under performance standards.
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Institutional Uses (e.g., schools, churches) – May apply for EMCs as conditional uses.
Commercial & Industrial Zoning Standards
| Requirement | Commercial (C) | Industrial (I) |
|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Freestanding, Monument, Wall | Freestanding, Monument, Wall |
| Max area | 50 sq. ft. | 100 sq. ft. |
| Max height | 20 ft | 30 ft |
| Message change frequency | ≥ 6 seconds | ≥ 6 seconds |
| Animated / Scrolling | ❌Not allowed | ❌Not allowed |
| Brightness control | Required | Required |
| Setback | 10 ft minimum | 10 ft minimum |
| Off-premise content | ❌Not allowed | ❌Not allowed |
Permit Filing Requirements
To install an EMC in Bleckley County (including the Allentown area):
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File a Sign Permit Application through the Bleckley County Building & Zoning Office.
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Include a site plan, elevation drawing, and electrical details.
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Demonstrate compliance with the sign area, height, and setback standards.
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Show proof of automatic brightness control equipment.
Permit Fee: Typically ranges from $100–$250, depending on the sign type and district.
LED Sign City Filing Fee (optional): $325 flat rate for full permit service.
📎 Contact:
Bleckley County Building & Zoning Department – (478) 934-3200
Full Ordinance Text (Excerpt)
Chapter 58 – Roads, Bridges, and Rights-of-Way, Article III – Signs
“No sign shall flash, blink, or contain any form of moving illumination. Changeable copy signs are permitted in nonresidential districts, subject to standards governing illumination, brightness, and setback. Residential districts shall be limited to nonilluminated or static signage.”
External Reference Links
🗺️ Allentown Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Allentown Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal