Are LED Signs Allowed in Calhoun, Gordon County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes, with significant restrictions and a conditional use permit.
EMC signs are not permitted by-right in any zoning district. They are only allowed as a conditional use in the C-3 (Highway Commercial) district, meaning each proposal requires a special hearing and approval from the city.
The ordinance states that changeable copy signs, which include EMCs, are subject to specific standards to "minimize the potential adverse effects on adjacent properties and protect the public health, safety, and welfare."
Official Ordinance Reference: § 11.07.01 - Changeable copy signs
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Calhoun Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Calhoun Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | C-3 (Highway Commercial) - Conditional Use Only |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Freestanding or Wall |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in the public right-of-way | ❌ No |
| Minimum setback required | Must meet building setback for district |
| Use restrictions | Conditional Use in C-3; prohibited in all other districts. |
Zoning District Overview
Calhoun's zoning ordinance is very restrictive regarding EMC signs. They are explicitly limited to one commercial district.
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Total Commercial/Industrial Districts: Multiple (C-1, C-2, C-3, M-1, M-2)
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Districts Allowing EMCs: C-3 (Highway Commercial) only, and only as a Conditional Use.
Zoning-Specific Standards
Since EMCs are only allowed in one district, a single table suffices.
C-3 (Highway Commercial) District Requirements
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | Conditional Use Only |
| Permitted sign types | Freestanding, Wall |
| Maximum number of EMCs | 1 per street frontage |
| Maximum area | 50 sq. ft. per face; 100 sq. ft. total for double-faced |
| Maximum height | 25 feet (if freestanding) |
| Static illumination allowed | ✅ Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌ No - "Shall not have the appearance of animation or intermittent flashing." |
| Mechanical motion | ❌ No |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌ No |
| Message Duration | Minimum of 10 seconds |
| Hours of Operation | Must be turned off outside of business operating hours |
| Setback requirement | Must meet building setback for the C-3 district |
Permit Filing Requirements
Installing an EMC sign in Calhoun is a two-step process due to the conditional use requirement.
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Conditional Use Permit: You must first apply for and receive a Conditional Use Permit from the Calhoun Planning and Zoning Commission.
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Sign Permit: After conditional use approval, you can apply for the standard Sign Permit.
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Required Forms: Conditional Use Application, Sign Permit Application.
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Permit Fees: Fees for conditional use applications and sign permits vary. Contact the Planning Department for the current fee schedule.
Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim)
The following is extracted from the Calhoun, GA, Code of Ordinances, Appendix A, Zoning.
§ 11.07.01 - Changeable copy signs.
Changeable copy signs, whether manual or electronic, shall be permitted as a conditional use in the C-3 Highway Commercial District, subject to the following standards in addition to the general standards for conditional uses:
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Number. Not more than one changeable copy sign shall be permitted per street frontage.
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Area.
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a. The changeable copy area of a freestanding sign shall not exceed 50 square feet per side or 100 square feet total for a double-faced sign.
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b. The changeable copy area of a wall sign shall be included in the calculation of the total allowable wall sign area for the building.
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Height. A freestanding changeable copy sign shall not exceed 25 feet in height.
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Setback. A freestanding changeable copy sign shall meet the building setback for the district in which it is located.
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Electronic changeable copy signs. In addition to the standards in subsections (1) through (4) above, electronic changeable copy signs shall comply with the following:
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a. Message duration. The message shall remain static for a minimum of ten seconds.
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b. Animation. The sign shall not have the appearance of animation or intermittent flashing.
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c. Illumination. The sign shall be turned off when the business is not open.
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External References
🗺️ Calhoun Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Calhoun Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal