Are LED Signs Allowed in Auburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes. EMC signs are permitted in designated zoning districts within Auburn, Georgia. Specifically, they are allowed in the I (Industrial), C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial), C-2 (General Commercial), C-3 (Highway Commercial), M-1 (Light Industrial), and M-2 (Heavy Industrial) zones. In these zones, EMC signs must adhere to specific regulations regarding display duration, brightness, and content.
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Auburn Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Auburn Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | I, C-1, C-2, C-3, M-1, M-2 |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Wall, Freestanding, Projecting |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in the public right-of-way | ❌ Not allowed |
| Minimum setback required | Varies by zoning district |
| Use restrictions | On-premise advertising only |
Zoning District Overview
Auburn's zoning framework includes various districts that regulate signage:
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I (Industrial)
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C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial)
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C-2 (General Commercial)
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C-3 (Highway Commercial)
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M-1 (Light Industrial)
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M-2 (Heavy Industrial)
Each district has specific regulations concerning signage, including EMCs. For detailed zoning information, refer to the Auburn Zoning Map Viewer.
Zoning-Specific Standards
| Requirement | Industrial Zones (I, M-1, M-2) | Commercial Zones (C-1, C-2, C-3) |
|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Freestanding, Projecting | Wall, Freestanding, Projecting |
| Maximum number of EMCs per frontage | 1 | 1 |
| Maximum area (wall-mounted) | 75% of total sign face area | 75% of total sign face area |
| Maximum height | 20 ft or roofline | 20 ft or roofline |
| Static illumination allowed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Mechanical motion | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Right-of-way projection | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| Setback requirement | 10 ft from property line | 10 ft from property line |
Permit Filing Requirements
To install an EMC sign in Auburn, the following steps are required:
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Submit a Sign Permit Application to the City of Auburn Planning & Development Department.
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Provide necessary documents, including:
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Plat with location of all proposed signs on the lot showing setback lines per City of Auburn Zoning & Sign Regulations.
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Elevation drawings with dimensions and height.
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Construction drawings.
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Local Project Example
A local business in the C-2 zone installed a 4x8 EMC sign. The sign complied with all setback and height regulations and was permitted within 14 business days. The installation enhanced the business's visibility and customer engagement.
Full Ordinance Text
"Electronic Message Centers (EMCs) are permitted in designated commercial and industrial zoning districts, provided they comply with all size, height, illumination, and setback requirements. EMCs shall not display off-premise advertising, must use static or limited motion displays, and are subject to sign permit approval by the City of Auburn Planning & Development Department."
External References
🗺️ Auburn Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Auburn Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal