Are LED Signs Allowed in Cave Spring, Floyd County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
❌ No. There is no express allowance in the § 32-80 series for EMC or digital/changeable-message signs. The ordinance instead regulates traditional sign types, sizes, setbacks, and materials. Because EMCs are not addressed, installation of such signs would likely be considered non-conforming or prohibited unless a special variance/conditional use is granted.
Exact language (excerpt):
§ 32-80 – “No sign shall be erected in the city unless a permit has been applied for and obtained in compliance with this article.” (emphasis added)
§ 32-81 – “Signs which are required to be removed by reason of traffic hazard, structural hazard or nonconformity with this article shall be removed at the expense of the owner.”
Variance/Appeal Process: The ordinance provides that non-conforming signs may continue under “grandfathering” (see § 32-90) and that the city may permit removal and replacement, but no specific process for EMC sign variances is set out in the text available.
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Cave Spring Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Cave Spring Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table
Since EMC signs are not clearly permitted, the standard summary table for allowed EMCs is not applicable. However, for clarity:
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | ❌ N/A (EMCs not expressly permitted) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | ❌ N/A |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ N/A |
| EMCs allowed in the public right-of-way | ❌ N/A |
| Minimum setback required | As per general sign regulations (see below) |
| Use restrictions | ❌ No mention of EMC use; traditional sign rules apply |
Zoning District Overview
The sign ordinance § 32-80 et seq applies generally to all zoning districts in the City of Cave Spring. The city’s zoning map and list of districts should be consulted to determine specific sign allowances indirectly via standard signage rules. The code does not break out EMCs by specific zoning districts.
Tip for users: Link to the city’s zoning map or parcel viewer (if available via the city website) to confirm the zoning of a particular property and then review the sign standards accordingly.
Zoning-Specific Standards
Because the EMC type of sign is not addressed separately, you will need to refer to the general sign standard tables in the ordinance. For example:
| Requirement | Commercial Districts / All Districts* |
|---|---|
| Permit required | ✅ Yes, for any sign (§ 32-80) |
| Maximum area | Varies by zoning and frontage (see § 32-82) |
| Maximum height | Varies by district (see § 32-83) |
| Setbacks, clearances | Must conform to § 32-84 ‘Location and Clearance’ |
| Illumination | Allowed only if sign face is static and illumination does ❌ not exceed limits (§ 32-85) |
| Animated, moving or changing message signs | ❌ Not addressed, hence not expressly permitted |
* Commercial, residential, industrial, and institutional districts are covered under the sign code; however, none explicitly reference EMCs.
Permit Filing Requirements
For any sign installation (including traditional signs) the following applies:
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A sign permit application must be submitted to the City of Cave Spring in accordance with § 32-80.
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The application must include: illustration of sign face, dimensions, materials, location, zoning district reference.
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If the sign is illuminated, the applicant may also need an electrical permit or inspection from the local building code official.
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The ordinance does not list a fixed fee within § 32-80; check the City’s current permit fee schedule for sign permits.
Advice: Because EMCs are not addressed, you should approach the city’s planning or building department ahead of time to confirm whether an electronic message sign would be allowed or whether a variance would be required.
Local Project Examples (Optional)
At this time, no publicly listed examples in Cave Spring of EMC or digital message center signs under the city’s ordinance were identified. If you install or replace a sign, documenting it may provide useful reference for future clients.
Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim)
Below are key excerpts from the ordinance for reference:
§ 32-80. Permit required; application; fee.
(a) No sign shall be erected in the city unless a permit has been applied for and obtained in compliance with this article.
(b) Each application shall be submitted to the city and shall include the information required by the city’s permit application procedures.
(c) The permit fee shall be as established by the city’s fee schedule
§ 32-81. Removal of nonconforming or unsafe signs.
(a) Signs which are required to be removed by reason of traffic hazard, structural hazard or nonconformity with this article shall be removed at the expense of the owner.
(b) The city may compel removal when necessary
§ 32-85. Illumination of signs.
(a) No sign shall be illuminated in a manner which causes a glare or hazard to traffic, or which is intermittent, flashing or moving.
External References
🗺️ Cave Spring Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Cave Spring Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal