Are LED Signs Allowed in Dooly County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
❌ No. Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs are not specifically permitted within Dooly County’s sign ordinance.
The current Chapter 38 – Signs of the Dooly County Code only regulates outdoor advertising signs visible from Interstate 75 and makes no mention of electronic, digital, or LED message boards. This means EMCs are not authorized under the existing code.
Ordinance Reference:
“No sign shall be erected or maintained unless it is in compliance with the regulations of this section.”
“All signs located on sites abutting or visible from the Interstate 75 right-of-way shall conform with O.C.G.A. Title 32, Ch. 6, Art. 3, Pt. 2 (§32-6-70 et seq.) and shall meet all Federal and State requirements necessary to obtain a permit under said statute.”
Since the ordinance only allows on-premises signs within 100 feet of the activity advertised and prohibits new off-premises outdoor advertising unless meeting narrow Interstate-75 conditions, there is no provision for EMC or digital sign installations.
Variance Process:
The ordinance does not include a variance or conditional use process specific to EMCs. Applicants may need to contact the Dooly County Planning & Zoning Department for clarification or potential review through general zoning variance procedures.
🔗 Full Ordinance – Dooly County Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – Dooly County Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | None specified |
| EMC sign styles allowed | ❌ Not addressed |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs in right-of-way | ❌ Not allowed |
| Minimum setback required | ❌ Not specified for EMCs |
| Use restrictions | Only on-premise or for-sale signs within 100 ft of advertised activity are allowed |
Zoning District Overview
The Dooly County Sign Ordinance does not distinguish regulations by zoning district.
Instead, it applies primarily to properties visible from Interstate 75 and defers to Georgia state law (O.C.G.A. §32-6-70 et seq.), which governs outdoor advertising near interstate and primary highways.
To determine your property’s zoning designation, use the county’s GIS viewer or contact the Dooly County Planning & Zoning Department directly.
State Reference:
O.C.G.A. §32-6-70 et seq. – Outdoor Advertising Near Interstate Highways
Zoning-Specific Standards
Because EMCs are not addressed, there are no separate tables for commercial, industrial, or residential zoning districts.
The only applicable standards relate to traditional outdoor advertising and on-premise signs along Interstate 75.
Key Provisions from Sec. 38-1:
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Sign material | Must be durable and well maintained |
| Off-premise signs | Allowed only within 600 ft of ongoing commercial/industrial activity |
| On-premise signs | Allowed if within 100 ft of the advertised activity |
| Nonconforming signs | May remain until purchased by DOT or County |
| Compliance | Must meet State and Federal highway sign permit standards |
Permit Filing Requirements
There are no EMC-specific permit processes outlined. However, any new outdoor sign visible from I-75 must comply with both county and Georgia DOT permit standards.
General Requirements:
-
Must obtain applicable state outdoor advertising permit (if visible from Interstate 75)
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Construction must use durable materials and be properly maintained
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Signs must meet all setback and spacing standards under O.C.G.A. §32-6-70 et seq.
Permit Authority:
Dooly County Planning & Zoning
Georgia Department of Transportation – Outdoor Advertising Division
State DOT Outdoor Advertising Info:
Georgia DOT Outdoor Advertising Permits
Local Project Examples
Currently, there are no public records or examples of approved EMC installations in Dooly County under the existing ordinance. Businesses seeking to use digital or electronic signage would likely need to petition for a zoning amendment or variance.
Full Ordinance Text (Relevant Excerpts)
Chapter 38 – Signs
Sec. 38-1. – Signs near interstate highways.
(a) This section shall apply to all outdoor advertising signs visible and intended to be read from the main traveled way of Interstate 75 in the County.
(b) No sign shall be erected or maintained unless it is in compliance with the regulations of this section.
(c) Signs must be constructed of durable materials, maintained in good condition, and not permitted to become dilapidated.
(d) All signs located on sites abutting or visible from the Interstate 75 right-of-way shall conform with O.C.G.A. title 32, ch. 6, art. 3, pt. 2 (§32-6-70 et seq.) and shall meet all Federal and State requirements necessary to obtain a permit under said statute.
(Ord. of 5-22-1986, §1)
State Law Reference: Signs along interstate highways, O.C.G.A. §32-6-70 et seq.
External References
🗺️ Dooly County Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Dooly County Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal