Are LED Signs Allowed in Austell, Cobb County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes. Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs are permitted in certain zoning districts in Austell, Cobb County, Georgia.
"Electronic message center signs are permitted in zoning districts where monument, freestanding, or wall signs are allowed, provided the display does not include flashing, scrolling, or animation."
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Austell Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Austell Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | GC (General Commercial), LI (Light Industrial), Highway 41 Corridor Overlay |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Wall, Freestanding, Monument |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in ROW | ❌ No |
| Minimum setback required | 10 ft from property line or as per district regulations |
| Use restrictions | Only for commercial, institutional, or industrial uses; no off-premise advertising |
Zoning District Overview
Austell has several zoning districts where EMC signs may be allowed. Check the official GIS zoning map to identify the exact district for a property:
| Requirement | GC (General Commercial) | LI (Light Industrial) | Highway 41 Corridor Overlay |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (limited) |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Freestanding, Monument | Wall, Freestanding, Monument | Wall, Freestanding, Monument |
| Max number of EMCs | 1 per street frontage | 1 per frontage | 1 per frontage |
| Max area | 100 sq. ft. | 150 sq. ft. | 75 sq. ft. |
| Max height | 20 ft | 25 ft | 15 ft |
| Static illumination | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Mechanical motion | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| ROW projection | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| Setback requirement | 10 ft | 10 ft | 10 ft |
Permit Filing Requirements
-
Required forms: Sign Permit Application, Electrical Permit (if illuminated)
-
Permit fee: Varies by size and district; check the official portal
Local Project Example (Optional)
A car dealership along Highway 41 installed a 6′×10′ EMC monument sign. The sign complied with all setback, height, and illumination regulations and received a permit within two weeks.
Full Ordinance Text (Excerpt)
Section 34-34 – Electronic Message Center Signs:
"Electronic message center 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."
External References
🗺️ Austell Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Austell Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal