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- Are LED Signs Allowed in Chamblee, DeKalb County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
Are LED Signs Allowed in Chamblee, DeKalb County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes, but with significant restrictions. EMC signs are permitted only in the I-1 (Heavy Industrial) zoning district and are subject to specific operational and technical requirements. They are expressly prohibited in all other zoning districts, including all commercial areas.
The Chamblee Code of Ordinances states:
"Electronic message board signs shall be permitted only in the I-1 heavy industrial district subject to the regulations of this section and shall be prohibited in all other zoning districts." (§22-513)
There is a variance process available through the Chamblee Planning Commission and Mayor and City Council for property owners seeking relief from the sign regulations
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Chamblee Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Chamblee Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | I-1 (Heavy Industrial) only |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Monument, Freestanding |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in the public right-of-way | ❌ No |
| Minimum setback required | 15 feet from any property line |
| Use restrictions | Prohibited in all C (Commercial), O-I (Office-Institutional), and R (Residential) districts. |
Zoning District Overview
The City of Chamblee has multiple zoning districts, but EMC signs are only a permitted sign type in one.
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Districts where EMCs are Prohibited: All C (Commercial), O-I (Office-Institutional), and R (Residential) districts.
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District where EMCs are Allowed: I-1 (Heavy Industrial).
Zoning-Specific Standards
Since EMCs are only allowed in one district, a single table suffices.
Heavy Industrial (I-1) Zoning Table
| Requirement | Standard for I-1 District |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Monument, Freestanding |
| Maximum number of EMCs | 1 per street frontage |
| Maximum area | 40 sq. ft. |
| Maximum height | 10 feet |
| Static illumination allowed | ✅ Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌ No |
| Mechanical motion | ❌ No |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌ No |
| Minimum setback required | 15 feet from any property line |
| Message Duration | Minimum 60 seconds |
| Transition Effect | Immediate (no fade, scroll, or animation) |
| Automatic Dimming | Required; must dim after dusk |
Permit Filing Requirements
All signs in Chamblee require a permit before installation.
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Required Forms: City of Chamblee Sign Permit Application, along with site plans and sign construction details.
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Permit Fees: Fees are based on the sign's valuation. Contact the Planning Department for the current fee schedule.
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Our Service Fee: Our fee to manage the entire permit application process on your behalf is $350
Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim)
The following is extracted from the Chamblee Code of Ordinances, Sec. 22-513.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to allow for electronic message board signs while regulating their size, number, location and operation to protect the public health, safety and welfare.
(b) Where permitted. Electronic message board signs shall be permitted only in the I-1 heavy industrial district subject to the regulations of this section and shall be prohibited in all other zoning districts.
(c) Regulations.
(1) Only one electronic message board sign shall be permitted per street frontage.
(2) Electronic message board signs shall be limited to a maximum of 40 square feet in area.
(3) Electronic message board signs shall be limited to a maximum height of ten feet.
(4) Electronic message board signs shall be set back a minimum of 15 feet from all property lines.
(5) The message of an electronic message board sign shall remain static for a minimum of 60 seconds.
(6) The change from one message to another shall be accomplished immediately and may not include fades, swipes, animation or other transition effects.
(7) Electronic message board signs must be equipped with an automatic dimming photocell that automatically adjusts the display's brightness based on ambient light conditions.
External References
🗺️ Chamblee Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Chamblee Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal