Are LED Signs Allowed in Buford, Gwinnett County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
Are EMC Signs Allowed in Buford?
✅ Yes, EMC signs are permitted in Buford, but they are subject to specific guidelines outlined in the city's zoning ordinance. The primary purpose of these regulations is to balance the need for effective business signage with the city's aesthetic and safety standards.
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Buford Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Buford Zoning & GIS Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial, Industrial |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Wall, Ground, Monument |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in the public right-of-way | ❌ No |
| Maximum height | Wall: up to 56 ft; Ground: 5–8 ft (with design review) |
| Maximum wall area | 1 sq ft per linear ft of building frontage (50–500 sq ft) |
| Use restrictions | No flashing, revolving, or animated signs; must follow illumination limits |
| Setback requirements | Must follow standard zoning and right-of-way setbacks |
Zoning District Overview
Buford's zoning framework regulates all signs within the city. EMCs are treated as permanent wall or ground signs and are allowed as long as they are located on-premises and follow height, area, illumination, and design restrictions.
Zoning-Specific Standards
Commercial Zoning
| Requirement | Commercial Districts |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Ground, Monument |
| Maximum number of EMCs | Based on street frontage and zoning table |
| Maximum wall area | 1 sq ft per linear ft of building frontage (50–500 sq ft) |
| Maximum height | Wall: up to 56 ft; Ground: 5–8 ft (with design review) |
| Static illumination | ✅ Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌ No |
| Mechanical motion | ❌ No (revolving/beacon prohibited) |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌ No |
| Right-of-way projection | ❌ Not allowed |
| Setback required | Standard setback from right-of-way |
Industrial Zoning
| Requirement | Industrial Districts |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Ground, Monument |
| Maximum number of EMCs | Based on street frontage and zoning table |
| Maximum wall area | 1 sq ft per linear ft of building frontage (50–500 sq ft) |
| Maximum height | Wall: up to 56 ft; Ground: 5–8 ft (with design review) |
| Static illumination | ✅ Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌ No |
| Mechanical motion | ❌ No (revolving/beacon prohibited) |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌ No |
| Right-of-way projection | ❌ Not allowed |
| Setback required | Standard setback from right-of-way |
Permit Filing Requirements
To apply for an EMC permit in Buford:
-
Required forms: Sign permit application, electrical permit (if illuminated)
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Permit fee: Varies depending on sign size and zoning district
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Compliance: Must follow Buford building, electrical, and zoning codes
Local Project Example
A retail store in Buford installed a monument-style EMC displaying business promotions, time, and temperature. The sign complied with zoning height, setback, and area restrictions and was approved after submission of all required permits.
Full Ordinance Text
Buford’s sign code regulates the erection, construction, display, and relocation of signs within city limits. It includes definitions for permanent and temporary signs, restricts flashing or beacon-style displays, and outlines permit and design standards.
Please review the full ordinance before proceeding with any EMC installation in Buford to ensure compliance with all requirements.
External Reference Links
🗺️ Buford Zoning & GIS Map
📘 Buford Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal