Are LED Signs Allowed in Cairo, Grady County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes, but with significant restrictions. EMC signs are not permitted by right for general commercial use in the City of Cairo. They are primarily allowed for specific institutional purposes, such as schools and places of worship, and only within their respective zoning districts.
The Cairo Code of Ordinances states that changeable copy signs, which include EMCs, are subject to specific limitations:
"Changeable copy signs are permitted in the C-1, C-2, I-1, and P-I zoning districts, provided that such signs shall be limited to a maximum of 32 square feet in area and to institutional uses such as schools and churches."
View Official Ordinance: §22-342(c)
There is no mention of a variance process specific to EMC signs in the sign ordinance.
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Cairo Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Cairo Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | C-1, C-2, I-1, P-I (For institutional uses only) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Freestanding, Monument (implied) |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in the public right-of-way | ❌ No |
| Minimum setback required | 10 feet from any street or property line (for freestanding signs) |
| Use restrictions | Limited to institutional uses (schools, churches). Prohibited for standard commercial businesses. |
Zoning District Overview
The City of Cairo's zoning ordinance specifically mentions four districts where changeable copy signs (EMCs) are conditionally permitted:
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C-1 (Central Business District)
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C-2 (General Commercial District)
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I-1 (Light Industrial District)
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P-I (Public and Institutional District)
To confirm the zoning designation for a specific property, use the official city resources.
Zoning-Specific Standards
The code does not provide separate tables for each district regarding EMCs. Instead, it establishes a single, unified set of rules for "Changeable Copy Signs" across the C-1, C-2, I-1, and P-I districts, as summarized below.
| Requirement | Standard for C-1, C-2, I-1, P-I Districts |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes, for institutional uses only |
| Permitted sign types | Freestanding / Monument |
| Maximum number of EMCs | Not specified (general sign quantity rules apply) |
| Maximum area | 32 sq. ft. |
| Maximum height | 25 ft. for freestanding signs in C-2, I-1; lower in other districts |
| Static illumination allowed | ✅ Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌ No |
| Mechanical motion | ❌ No |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌ No |
| Message Duration | Minimum of 60 seconds per message |
| Transition Effect | Must be instantaneous; no fading, scrolling, or animation. |
Permit Filing Requirements
All signs in Cairo require a permit before installation.
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Required forms: Sign Permit Application (obtained from the city).
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Permit fee: Contact the Cairo Building Official for current fee schedules.
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Our service fee: [Your Company's Fee Here]
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Official Contact: Applications are submitted to the Cairo Building Official at City Hall.
Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim)
The following sections from the Cairo Code of Ordinances, Chapter 22, Zoning, are directly relevant to EMC signs:
§22-342. Supplementary sign regulations.
(c) Changeable copy signs. Changeable copy signs are permitted in the C-1, C-2, I-1, and P-I zoning districts, provided that such signs shall be limited to a maximum of 32 square feet in area and to institutional uses such as schools and churches.
§22-343. General requirements for all signs.
(a) Permit required. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect...any sign without first obtaining a sign permit therefore from the building official...
(c) Setbacks. Freestanding signs shall be set back at least ten feet from any street or property line.
(g) Height. Freestanding signs shall not exceed 25 feet in height within the C-2, I-1 and P-I districts... within the C-1 district, freestanding signs shall not exceed 12 feet in height.
§22-344. Prohibited signs.
The following signs are prohibited: ... (4) Animated signs. (5) Signs with mechanical movement.
§22-345. Electronic message centers.
Electronic message centers are permitted, subject to the following:
(1) Message duration. Each message must be displayed for a minimum of 60 seconds.
(2) Transition. Message changes must be instantaneous. No fading, scrolling, flashing, or other animated transitions are permitted.
External References
🗺️ Cairo Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Cairo Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal