Are LED Signs Allowed in Brooks, Fayette County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
❌ No.
Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs are not specifically permitted under the Town of Brooks Zoning Ordinance.
The sign regulations (Article 31.4) include allowances for changeable copy and time/temperature signs, but no provision for electronic or digital message centers. The ordinance defines only static sign types such as wall, awning, free-standing ground, and window signs, with “changeable copy” limited to manually changed lettering.
Ordinance Reference (Article 31.4 – Sign Regulations):
“Changeable copy signs and time/temperature signs shall be counted toward the maximum allowable square footage and shall meet the development standards consistent with the manner in which they are mounted.”
(Town of Brooks Zoning Ordinance Update, 2018 – § 31.4.2 and Permanent Sign Standards, pages 83–84)
There is no mention of electronic message centers, digital displays, or LED signs anywhere in the code. As such, EMCs are interpreted as not allowed.
Variance Process:
The Town of Brooks permits conditional uses or development standards variances under Section 31.1.11 and related zoning procedures. A property owner may petition the Mayor and Town Council for relief, though such approval is discretionary and uncommon for digital signage.
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Brooks Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Brooks Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | ❌ None specified |
| EMC sign styles allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in the public right-of-way | ❌ No |
| Minimum setback required | ❌ Not applicable |
| Use restrictions | Changeable copy and time/temperature signs only; electronic or digital displays not authorized |
Zoning District Overview
The Town of Brooks maintains five principal zoning districts:
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RA – Residential/Agricultural
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TR – Town Residential
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TMX – Town Mixed Use (Commercial District)
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I – Institutional
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LAM – Light Assembly Manufacturing
Commercial and industrial signs fall mainly under TMX and LAM zoning, both of which reference only changeable copy and time/temperature signage types — not EMCs.
Official Zoning Map Viewer:
Brooks does not provide an interactive GIS map online. Contact Town Hall for parcel-specific zoning verification.
Commercial and Industrial Sign Standards
| Requirement | TMX (Town Mixed Use) | LAM (Light Assembly Manufacturing) |
|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Awning, Free-standing, Changeable Copy, Time/Temperature | Wall, Awning, Free-standing, Changeable Copy, Time/Temperature |
| Max number per use | 1 per frontage | 1 per frontage |
| Max area (wall-mounted) | 75 sq ft (max) | 75 sq ft (max) |
| Max height (free-standing) | 6 ft | 15 ft |
| Illumination allowed | ✅ Yes (static, shielded, down-lighting only) | ✅ Yes (static, shielded, down-lighting only) |
| Animated or flashing signs | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Off-premise content | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Right-of-way projection | Min 10 ft setback | Min 10 ft setback |
Permit Filing Requirements
Sign Permit Required: Yes — for any new or modified permanent sign.
Administered by: Town of Brooks Zoning Administrator
Typical Submission:
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Sign permit application form
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Site plan or property sketch
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Building elevation or rendering
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Electrical details (if illuminated)
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Applicable fee (varies by sign type)
Maintenance Requirement:
All signs must be kept “in good repair and in a safe, neat, clean, and attractive condition.” The Town may order removal of non-compliant or abandoned signs.
Permit Resources:
Town of Brooks – Planning & Zoning Department
Local Project Examples
As of this writing, no known permitted EMC installations exist within Brooks town limits. Area signage consists primarily of traditional wall or ground-mounted signs with static illumination.
Full Ordinance Text (Relevant Excerpts)
Town of Brooks Zoning Ordinance, 2018 – Article 31.4 (Sign Regulations)
31.4.1 Intent
“The intent of this Article is to avoid the proliferation of signage; encourage signs compatible with the scale of buildings and surrounding features; eliminate potential hazards to motorists and pedestrians; and promote the health, safety, and welfare of residents.”
31.4.2 General Sign Standards (E)
“All illuminated signs shall comply with the State Electrical Code … The light from any illuminated sign shall be shaded, shielded, or directed such that the brightness will not be objectionable … All lighting shall have 90-degree cut-off luminaries (shielded downlighting).”
Permanent Sign Standards (TMX and Industrial Districts)
“Changeable copy signs and time/temperature signs shall be counted toward the maximum allowable square footage and shall meet development standards consistent with the manner in which they are mounted.”
External References
🗺️ Brooks Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Brooks Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal