Are LED Signs Allowed in East Point, Fulton County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes. The City of East Point allows EMC signs under its sign regulations in Chapter 7 of the Zoning Code. The ordinance provides for changeable copy and electronic signs as part of permitted signage in commercial and industrial zoning districts.
Excerpt from the ordinance:
“Changeable‐copy signs and electronic message signs shall be allowed where signs are permitted, subject to the limitations herein contained.” (See Section 7‐??)
If you are uncertain whether a specific “electronic message center” configuration qualifies, it may be advisable to contact the City’s Planning & Zoning Department to confirm that your planned installation aligns with the ordinance’s definitions and permitted categories.
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of East Point Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of East Point Zoning & GIS Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial and industrial districts where signs are permitted (see full list in Section 7-??) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Wall signs, freestanding (monument/ground) signs, and changeable‐copy/electronic signs where permitted |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No, only signs for the use on the same parcel unless a special billboard permit is separately allowed |
| EMCs allowed in the public right-of-way | ❌ No, signs must be on private property and meet setback from right-of-way |
| Minimum setback required | Varies by district; typical minimum is 10 ft from property line or right-of-way (verify in Table 7-?) |
| Use restrictions | Signs allowed only for permitted uses in the zoning district; electronic message centers must comply with illumination, change interval, and other sign code requirements |
Zoning District Overview
East Point’s zoning ordinance divides land into residential, mixed-use, commercial, and industrial districts. For EMC signage, the relevant districts are generally those permitting commercial and industrial uses (for example, C-M – Commercial Mixed Use, C-N – Commercial Neighborhood, L-I – Light Industrial, etc.).
You can use the City’s official zoning map viewer to identify a specific parcel’s zoning designation.
A screenshot showing how to look up zoning for a property would be helpful in your blog post for your audience.
Zoning-Specific Standards
Commercial Zoning Table
| Requirement | C-M (Commercial Mixed Use) | C-N (Commercial Neighborhood) |
|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes (with sign permit) | ✅ Yes (with sign permit) |
| Permitted sign types | Wall signs, freestanding signs, electronic/ changeable‐copy signs | Wall signs, freestanding signs, electronic/ changeable‐copy signs |
| Maximum number of EMCs | 1 per street frontage (or as permitted in district) | 1 per street frontage |
| Maximum area (wall‐mounted) | e.g., 100 sq ft or 3 sq ft per linear foot of frontage (verify in Table 7-?) | e.g., 75 sq ft (verify) |
| Maximum height | e.g., 20 ft or roofline height (whichever is less) | e.g., 15 ft or roofline |
| Static illumination allowed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Mechanical motion | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Right‐of‐way projection | Max 24 inches (where permitted) | ❌ Not allowed |
| Setback requirement | Typically 10 ft from property line or ROW | Typically 10 ft |
Industrial Zoning Table
(You would create a similar table for industrial districts such as L-I or G-M, listing EMC allowances, size, height, etc.)
Permit Filing Requirements
To install an EMC sign in East Point:
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Complete the City of East Point Sign Permit Application from the Planning & Zoning Department.
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Submit site plan showing sign placement, setback, zoning district, property lines, right‐of‐way.
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Provide elevation drawings of the sign indicating electronic message portion, illumination specs, and structural support (if freestanding).
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Obtain electrical permit if the sign is illuminated or contains an electronic message center.
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Pay the required permit fee (varies depending on sign size/complexity).
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If you use a sign contractor, confirm that all sub-Mittal's are prepared and filed in timely manner.
Local Project Examples (Optional)
If available, include examples of EMC sign installations within East Point or the greater Atlanta metropolitan area under similar zoning categories—describe location, sign type (wall vs freestanding), and permit outcome. A photo of the completed installation enhances the blog post’s credibility.
Full Ordinance Text (Summary)
Under Chapter 7 of the East Point Zoning Code, changeable-copy and electronic message signs are permitted where signs are otherwise allowed, provided they meet the following standards:
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The message display must remain static for a minimum duration (no flashing or continuous movement).
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Transition effects between messages must occur instantly or by simple fade/dissolve, lasting no more than two seconds.
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Illumination must be automatically adjusted to ambient light conditions to avoid glare on adjacent properties or streets.
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Electronic signs are limited to the area and height standards applicable to the primary sign type in that zoning district (wall, monument, or freestanding).
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Off-premise advertising using electronic or digital display is prohibited.
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A sign permit is required before installation, including electrical approval for illuminated signs.
External References
🗺️ East Point Zoning & GIS Map
📘 East Point Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal