Are LED Signs Allowed in Bainbridge, Decatur County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes – but only under specific conditions.
The ordinance states:
“When the message of a multiple-message sign is changed mechanically or by electronic means … No more than one multiple‐message sign may be located per lot and such sign shall be permitted only on a ground sign or freestanding structure which is a permitted sign, and not on any wall sign or window sign.”
And further: “When the message … is changed in an electronic manner … the transition shall occur within two seconds.”
Thus:
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EMCs are allowed in the sense that electronic/multiple-message signs are permitted.
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But they are not allowed in all sign types – they are not permitted on wall signs or window signs per the multiple‐message sign section.
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They are permitted only as ground/freestanding signs (on a permitted sign structure) and subject to the other provisions (illumination, change frequency, location, etc.).
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There is no specific mention of “off‐premise EMCs” or projection into the right‐of‐way in the snippet, so those need to be presumed restricted unless other sections override.
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Bainbridge Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Bainbridge Zoning & GIS Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Not explicitly designated by zoning district in this section; multiple‐message signs allowed where a permitted ground/freestanding sign is permitted. |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Ground / Freestanding only (not wall or window) |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No indication they are allowed; likely prohibited under “permitted sign” requirement |
| EMCs allowed in the public right-of-way | Not addressed in this section; likely subject to general setbacks and sign‐placement rules; assume ❌ No unless other ordinance language allows |
| Minimum setback required | Not specified in this excerpt for multiple‐message signs; general sign setback provisions apply (e.g., front yard, right-of-way, sight‐distance) |
| Use restrictions | One multiple-message sign per lot; must be permitted sign type (ground/freestanding); must comply with illumination/change frequency rules; cannot be wall/window mounted |
Zoning District Overview
The ordinance section invoked does not list a full set of zoning districts by name for EMC allowances. Instead, it addresses sign types generically (ground/freestanding vs. wall/window) rather than by zone designation.
For a complete overview:
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The City of Bainbridge’s zoning map should be consulted via the municipal website or GIS viewer (check City of Bainbridge Planning Department).
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Review the list of commercial, industrial, and mixed‐use zoning districts applicable in Bainbridge and identify which of those permit ground/freestanding signs (which then could include multiple‐message signs under the rules).
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Property‐by‐property, confirm whether the lot is in a zoning district that permits the sign type (ground/freestanding) and meets setback/height requirements for signs generally.
Tip: When you have the property parcel number, you can use the city’s zoning viewer (if available) to identify the zone, then check the city’s sign regulations for that zone (or underlying district standards) to ensure that a ground/freestanding sign is permitted and whether the multiple‐message sign standards apply.
Zoning-Specific Standards
Commercial / Industrial / Institutional Zoning (generic)
Based on the ordinance for multiple‐message signs, here are the key requirements for such signs regardless of specific zone (provided the sign type is permitted). You may want to verify any additional height/area limits in the sign chapter applicable for each zoning district.
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Multiple‐message sign allowed on lot | ✅ Yes, but only one per lot. |
| Sign type for multiple‐message | Ground or freestanding only; not wall or window. |
| Message change interval (electronic) | When electronic: transition must occur within 2 seconds. |
| Time restriction when near residence (within 150 ft) | If the sign is within 150 feet of any residence, then between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. the sign shall be static (and not display more than one message). |
| Illumination / external vs internal | Electronic luminous signs must also comply with illumination rules for signs generally (e.g., no flashing/blinking that could distract traffic) |
| Prohibited on wall/window signs | ✅ Yes. |
Note: Because height/area/placement specifics are not included in the multiple‐message section, you must refer to the general sign placement and permitted sign size/height requirements for each zoning district in the city’s sign chapter. For example, a commercial zone might limit height to X ft and area to Y sq. ft for freestanding signs.
Permit Filing Requirements
For a multiple‐message / electronic message sign in Bainbridge, here are the actionable steps and requirements under the ordinance:
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A sign permit is required for the erection, conversion or modification of a sign structure (including multiple‐message signs) under the sign regulations.
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The application must include a complete description of the proposed sign (location, dimensions, structure, electrical connection if any) and where electronic/multiple‐message capability is involved, the manufacturer’s specifications for luminosity must be attached.
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Where electrical connection is required, an electrical permit must also be obtained (as typical for any illuminated sign).
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Inspection and approval will be required to ensure compliance with structural, safety, electrical and sign‐ordinance standards.
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Because the ordinance does not list a flat “electronic sign permit fee” publicly in the excerpt, you will need to check the City of Bainbridge’s Master Fee Schedule for the current permit‐fee amount or ask the Planning Department directly.
Tip: When submitting your application, be sure to highlight that the sign will comply with the 2 second transition rule, will be ground/freestanding, and if within 150 ft of a residence, will be static from 11 p.m.–6 a.m. Include the manufacturer specs on brightness/dimming, and show setback/sight line compliance.
Local Project Examples (Optional)
If available, this section could feature an example of a business in Bainbridge installing a multiple‐message sign under these rules.
Since no specific local case was referenced in the ordinance excerpt, you might want to check with local sign companies in Bainbridge or the City’s Planning Department to identify recent approvals for electronic message centers in the area and include photos or brief descriptions.
Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim)
Here is the key excerpt from the ordinance in the City of Bainbridge sign code concerning multiple‐message signs:
“When the message of a multiple-message sign is changed mechanically, it shall be accomplished in three seconds or less. When the message of a multiple‐message sign is changed in an electronic manner … the transition shall occur within two seconds. When any multiple‐message sign is located within 150 feet of any residence, the display of multiple messages shall discontinue between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., and the sign shall be static and not display more than one message during that period. … No multiple‐message sign may be located on any wall sign or window sign. … No more than one multiple‐message sign may be located per lot, and such sign shall be permitted only on a ground sign or freestanding structure which is a permitted sign.”
External References
🗺️ Bainbridge Zoning & GIS Map
📘 Bainbridge Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal