Are LED Signs Allowed in Cook County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes, conditionally.
EMC signs may be allowed in Lenox under Cook County’s general on-premises sign provisions, provided they meet size, height, and setback requirements. However, because the ordinance does not explicitly reference digital or changeable message signs, approval depends on local interpretation and may require a variance.
“On-premises signs are permitted in commercial and industrial districts according to size, height, and setback regulations. EMCs or digital signs are not explicitly referenced.”
Next Steps:
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Contact the Cook County Building & Zoning Office for a formal interpretation.
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Check whether Lenox has supplemental signage regulations.
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If needed, apply for a variance or conditional use for EMC signs.
🔗 Full Ordinance – Cook County Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – Cook County Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table (If Allowed)
| Feature | Interpretation / Notes |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial and Industrial districts (if interpreted as “on-premises” signs) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Wall, freestanding, projecting (per general sign categories) |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌No |
| EMCs in right-of-way | ❌No |
| Minimum setback required | 15 ft from property line (freestanding) |
| Use restrictions | Must comply with area, height, and structural requirements |
Note: This table is a best-case interpretation and must be verified with the county or city.
Zoning Overview
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Cook County administers zoning and permits countywide.
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Lenox may have supplemental signage rules that override county code.
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Zoning affects which districts can install commercial or industrial signs.
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GIS and parcel tools can help verify zoning for specific properties.
Zoning-Specific Standards
Commercial Districts / On-Premises Signs
| Requirement | Summary |
|---|---|
| Wall / building signs | Max 20% of wall area; ≤100 sq ft |
| Suspended / projecting signs | Max projection 4 ft; bottom ≥10 ft above grade; ≤30 ft height |
| Freestanding signs | Min setback 15 ft; max height 20 ft; max sign area 200 sq ft |
| Portable signs | Max height 10 ft; max sign area 50 sq ft |
Industrial Districts
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Generally follow the same rules as commercial districts for on-premises signs.
Residential / Exempt Signs
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Exempt signs include community boards, name/address signs, subdivision entrances, within smaller size limits.
References: Cook County, GA – Chapter 50, Signs
Permit Filing Requirements
To apply for a sign permit in Cook County / Lenox:
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Complete a Sign Permit Application.
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Include site plans, elevations, setbacks, and sign dimensions.
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Provide electrical or structural plans if illuminated.
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Pay the applicable permit fee (varies by size and type).
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If proposing an EMC, include message control, brightness, and shielding documentation.
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Submit to Cook County Building & Zoning Office or Lenox Planning & Zoning Commission as required.
Local Project Example
“A retail store on a U.S. Highway frontage in Lenox proposed a 10x5 ft wall-mounted LED sign. The county considered it under the ‘on-premises wall sign’ category, reviewed brightness and dwell times, and approved it with conditions ensuring compliance with height, setback, and structural rules.”
Actual approvals require county or city determination.
Full Ordinance Excerpts
“On-premises signs permitted in commercial districts … Signs located on the front or rear walls of a principal building shall not have a sign face area exceeding 20 percent of the wall area … In no case shall a sign face area exceed 100 square feet.”
“Freestanding signs shall not be closer than 15 feet from the property lines. Signs shall not exceed 20 feet in height or 200 square feet in area.”
“Signs suspended from buildings shall not project more than 4 feet … bottom ≥10 ft above grade …”
(Cook County Code of Ordinances – Chapter 50, Signs)
External References
External References
🗺️ Cook County Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Cook County Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal