Are LED Signs Allowed in Commerce, Banks County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes. EMC signs are allowed in designated commercial zoning districts in Commerce, Georgia.
"Electronic message signs are permitted in commercial districts subject to size, height, illumination, and setback regulations as specified in the City of Commerce Unified Development Code."
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Commerce Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Commerce Zoning & GIS Map
Variance Process: The ordinance allows for variances to be requested through the Commerce Planning and Development Department. Details on the application process are available on the Planning and Development Department page.
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial (C-1, C-2) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Wall, Freestanding, Monument |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in the public right-of-way | ❌ No |
| Minimum setback required | 10 ft from property line |
| Use restrictions | EMCs permitted for commercial businesses only |
Zoning District Overview
Commerce's sign regulations apply primarily to two commercial zoning districts:
C-1: Local Commercial
C-2: General Commercial
Commercial Zoning Table
| Requirement | C-1 | C-2 |
|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Freestanding | Wall, Freestanding, Monument |
| Maximum number of EMCs per frontage | 1 | 1 |
| Maximum area (wall-mounted) | 32 sq. ft. | 64 sq. ft. |
| Maximum height | 20 ft | 25 ft |
| Static illumination allowed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Mechanical motion | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Right-of-way projection | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| Setback requirement | 10 ft | 10 ft |
Permit Filing Requirements
-
Required forms: Sign Permit Application, Electrical Permit
-
Permit fee: $50–$200 depending on size and type
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LED Sign County service fee: $325 flat rate (if filing on behalf of client)
Local Project Examples (Optional)
LED Sign City installed a 4x8 EMC at a retail store on South Church Street in C-2 zoning. The sign complied with all setback, height, and illumination requirements and was permitted within 10 business days.
Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim)
The full regulations for Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs in Commerce cover permitted locations, zoning restrictions, sign dimensions, illumination, and setback requirements. All EMC installations must comply with these rules to ensure safety and consistency with local development standards, for the official and complete legal language.
External Reference Links
🗺️ Commerce Zoning & GIS Map
📘 Commerce Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal