Are LED Signs Allowed in Bowman, Elbert County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning

EMC Sign Allowed?

❌ No. Not clearly allowed.
A review of the city’s zoning ordinance found no explicit provision allowing “Electronic Message Center” signs (also known as EMC signs, digital message boards, or changeable-copy electronic displays). The relevant document is the Zoning Ordinance for the City of Bowman. 
Because the ordinance does not clearly define or permit EMC signs, the default interpretation is that such signs are not allowed (or at least not by right) unless a specific variance, conditional use or other special approval is given.
Recommendation: Contact the City of Bowman’s Planning & Zoning office to determine if there is any administrative interpretation, variance process or special permit allowing EMCs.

🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Bowman Sign Code

🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Bowman Zoning & Parcel View

Because of this, the remainder of the blog post that presumes EMC allowance (summary tables, detailed zoning standards) may not apply — though you may still want to include a “not allowed” explanation and what to do if one wants to pursue an EMC.

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EMC Sign Summary Table

Since EMC signs are not clearly permitted, a summary table is not applicable in the usual form. Instead:

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Zoning District Overview

Zoning framework for Bowman

The City of Bowman publishes its zoning ordinance under “Ordinances” on its website. 
The ordinance covers defined zoning districts (commercial, residential, industrial, etc). However, the ordinance does not appear to include a separate, detailed table in the publicly available PDF that enumerates every permitted sign type and whether digital/changeable copy signs (EMCs) are allowed. 

What you should do

• Use the City of Bowman’s online zoning map or interactive parcel viewer (if available) to determine the zoning classification of a specific property.

• Identify which zoning district the property is in (e.g., commercial, industrial, residential) and then check the sign-section of the ordinance (or consult the zoning administrator).

• Because the EMC/digital signage allowance is not explicit, you should consult with the city for clarification.

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Zoning-Specific Standards

Because the ordinance does not explicitly address EMC/digital message signs, it is not possible to provide a table of EMC-specific rules for each zoning district (commercial, industrial, etc). For standard signage (non-EMC) the ordinance does include general sign regulation language (found in the zoning ordinance PDF). 
If EMCs were permitted through a variance or special permit, the applicant should assume the standard sign measurement, setback, and height rules apply, plus any additional restrictions the city might impose (such as illumination, change frequency, content, right-of-way setback).
Suggested approach: You may offer a “placeholder” table noting that EMC rules need city confirmation or are subject to a variance.

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Permit Filing Requirements

Since the EMC sign type is not clearly permitted, the permit process would likely involve the following:

• Submit a sign permit (or general zoning permit) application with the City of Bowman.

• Include site plan showing sign location, property zoning, setbacks, size & height of proposed sign, materials and electrical/illumination details (if applicable).

• If the sign is digital/changeable and not explicitly permitted, you may need to apply for a variance or special approval from the City’s planning or zoning board.

• Confirm fees with the City of Bowman (the ordinance does not list specific EMC sign permit fees).

• Recommended: Ask the City of Bowman for any internal checklist or guidelines they maintain for digital/changeable signage.

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Local Project Examples (Optional)

I did not locate any published examples of EMC/digital message center installations in Bowman under the available ordinance. If you have local clients or businesses in Bowman that have installed such signs, it could be a valuable addition to the blog post (with photos, description, and how they navigated the permit/approval process).

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Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim)

Below is a verbatim excerpt of the relevant sign regulation section from the City of Bowman Zoning Ordinance PDF.

Excerpt from Zoning Ordinance – City of Bowman, Georgia
“Signs and fences are not to be considered as accessory buildings. A ‘detached’ accessory building shall be one that does not have a common wall or roof …” 
(Note: The public version of the ordinance does not include a specific definition or allowance of “electronic message center” or “digital display sign.”)

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External References

🗺️ Bowman Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Bowman Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal