Are LED Signs Allowed in Brunswick, Glynn County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes, but with significant restrictions. EMC signs are not permitted by-right in most zoning districts. They are allowed primarily for specific institutional uses or as a conditional use in certain commercial and industrial districts, requiring a formal approval process from the city.
The Brunswick Code of Ordinances states that changeable copy signs, which include EMCs, are subject to specific use and operational requirements.
Official Ordinance Reference: § 23-379. - Changeable copy signs.
There is a variance process available. If your property has unique circumstances that cause an unnecessary hardship under the strict terms of the sign code, you can apply for a variance through the Board of Appeals.
Variance Process Link: § 23-426. - Appeals.
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Brunswick Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Brunswick Zoning & GIS Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | O-I, C-1, C-2, C-3 (Conditional Use); specific public/civic uses by-right. |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Freestanding, Monument |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in the public right-of-way | ❌ No |
| Minimum setback required | 15 feet from any property line; 100 feet from a residential district. |
| Use restrictions | Primarily for churches, schools, public facilities; conditional in commercial/industrial. |
Zoning District Overview
Brunswick's zoning code has several commercial and industrial districts where EMC signs may be considered. The key districts are:
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C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial)
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C-2 (General Commercial)
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C-3 (Central Business District)
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O-I (Office and Institutional)
In these districts, an EMC sign typically requires a Conditional Use Permit.
Official Zoning Map:
To confirm the zoning for a specific property, use the Glynn County GIS Authority map. While the City of Brunswick is within Glynn County, this is the primary tool for parcel and zoning information.
Zoning-Specific Standards
The code provides general standards for all EMC (changeable copy) signs, rather than breaking them down by individual district. The following table summarizes the universal requirements.
General EMC Sign Requirements
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes, as a Conditional Use or for specific institutions. |
| Permitted sign types | Freestanding, Monument. |
| Maximum number of EMCs | 1 per street frontage. |
| Maximum area | 50 sq. ft. per face. |
| Maximum height | 20 feet for freestanding signs. |
| Message Duration | Minimum of 60 seconds per message/display. |
| Transition Effect | ❌ No flashing, scrolling, or animation. Only immediate cuts or gentle fade/dissolve effects. |
| Illumination | Must automatically dim after dusk based on ambient light. |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌ No. |
| Setback requirement | 15 ft from property line; 100 ft from any residential district. |
Permit Filing Requirements
Installing an EMC sign in Brunswick is a multi-step process due to the likely need for a Conditional Use Permit.
Required Process & Forms:
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Conditional Use Application: If required for your zoning district.
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Sign Permit Application: The standard application for all signs.
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Electrical Permit: Required for the sign's power and components.
Typical Permit Fees:
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Conditional Use Application Fee: ~$250 - $500 (subject to change).
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Sign Permit Fee: Based on the sign's valuation (check current city fee schedule).
Our Permit Service Fee:
LED Sign City's fee to manage the entire Conditional Use and permit filing process on your behalf starts at $1,200. This includes application preparation, hearing representation, and coordination with the city.
Official Permit Resources:
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City of Brunswick Planning & Development Department: (912) 267-5500
It is essential to contact the Planning Department directly to confirm the required forms and exact fees for your specific project.
Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim)
The following is the direct text from the Brunswick Code of Ordinances, Chapter 23, Article XXIV, governing EMC signs.
§ 23-379. - Changeable copy signs.
(c) Electronic changeable copy signs. In addition to other applicable regulations of this article, the following regulations shall apply to all electronic changeable copy signs:
(1) Location. Electronic changeable copy signs shall be permitted on property zoned O-I, C-1, C-2, and C-3, subject to the issuance of a conditional use permit as provided in section 23-43, and for churches, schools and public uses and facilities, subject to the issuance of a sign permit. In no case shall such signs be located within 100 feet of a residential zoning district.
(2) Number. Only one electronic changeable copy sign shall be permitted per street frontage.
(3) Setbacks. All electronic changeable copy signs shall be set back at least 15 feet from all property lines.
(4) Height and area. Electronic changeable copy signs shall meet the height and area requirements for the district in which they are located. In no case shall the area of an electronic changeable copy sign exceed 50 square feet per sign face.
(5) Operation.a. All electronic changeable copy signs must be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically determines the ambient illumination and shall be programmed to dim according to ambient light conditions.
b. Each message/display must be maintained for a minimum of 60 seconds.
c. Messages/displays must transition immediately to the next message/display by means of a gentle fade, dissolve, or cut. Flashing, scrolling, traveling, spinning, rotating, pulsating, or other animated transitions are prohibited.
§ 23-426. - Appeals.
Where this chapter prohibits certain signs or imposes greater restrictions than those required in other chapters of this Code, the board of appeals shall have no power to modify such provisions or restrictions.
External References
🗺️ Brunswick Zoning & GIS Map
📘 Brunswick Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal