Are LED Signs Allowed in Elberton, Elbert County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes, but only on commercial and industrial properties.
From the ordinance (§22-13-7(j)):
“Automatic changeable copy signs are only allowed on commercial and industrial properties.”
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Elberton Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Elberton Zoning & Parcel View
There is no specific variance or appeals process described for expanding EMC eligibility to other property types. Any proposed EMC outside permitted zones would require a zoning amendment or special approval from the City of Elberton’s Building Inspector or Planning Commission.
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial (B-1, B-2) and Industrial zones |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Freestanding (Pole or Monument), Wall, Projecting, and Under-Canopy signs (within permitted commercial/industrial categories) |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No (prohibited under general sign restrictions) |
| EMCs in ROW (public right-of-way) | ❌ Not allowed (§22-13-5(d)(1)) |
| Minimum setback required | 5 ft from ROW or property line (§22-13-5(d)) |
| Use restrictions | EMCs limited to on-premise commercial or industrial businesses only |
Zoning District Overview
Elberton classifies properties under commercial (B-1, B-2) and industrial districts for EMC eligibility.
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Commercial Zoning: B-1 (Business) and B-2 (General Business)
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Industrial Zoning: Industrial category as defined in §22-13-2(a)
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Residents can identify their zoning district by using the City’s Planning or Building Department resources.
Zoning-Specific Standards
Commercial and Industrial Properties
| Requirement | Commercial (B-1 & B-2) | Industrial |
|---|---|---|
| EMC Allowed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted Sign Types | Wall, Awning, Under-Canopy, Projecting, Window, Freestanding | Wall, Awning, Under-Canopy, Projecting, Freestanding |
| Maximum Number of Building Signs | 2 per tenant (up to 3 under certain conditions) | 1 per tenant (additional if large facility) |
| Maximum Area (Wall Sign) | 25% of wall area, up to 50 sq. ft. | 25% of wall area, up to 50 sq. ft. |
| Maximum Area (Freestanding) | As regulated per lot frontage | As regulated per lot frontage |
| Maximum Height (Freestanding) | 20 ft typical | 20 ft typical |
| Static Illumination Allowed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Animated or Flashing Signs | ❌ Not allowed (§22-13-4(b)) | |
| Automatic Copy Changes | ✅ Allowed (§22-13-7(j)) | |
| Off-premise Content | ❌ Prohibited | |
| Setback Requirement | ≥ 5 ft from ROW; ≥ 25 ft from side lot line | Same |
| Illumination Restrictions | Must not shine onto public ROW or residential areas; internal illumination allowed (§22-13-5(h)) |
Permit Filing Requirements
To install an EMC in Elberton, applicants must follow the Sign Approval and Building Permit process.
Required Forms:
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Sign Approval Application (via Building Inspector)
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Building Permit (for signs >15 sq. ft. freestanding or >6 sq. ft. wall signs)
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Electrical Permit (for internally illuminated signs)
Typical Fees:
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City review and inspection fees (amount set by City Council resolution)
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Additional structural engineering certification may be required
Processing Time:
The Building Inspector reviews applications within 10 business days (§22-9(c)(1)).
Local Project Examples (Optional)
While no public record of EMC installations in Elberton was listed online, similar Georgia municipalities (like Hartwell and Royston) have approved small commercial EMCs for local banks, schools, and churches located in business zones.
Businesses in Elberton’s downtown corridor or along College Avenue, Elbert Street, and Athens Highway are potential sites for compliant EMC signs.
Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim Excerpt)
§22-13-7(j): Automatic Changeable Copy Signs
“Automatic changeable copy signs are only allowed on commercial and industrial properties.”
§22-13-5(h): Illuminated Signs
“Signs are allowed to be externally or internally illuminated, except as follows… Temporary signs allowed under Sec. 708 shall not be illuminated.”
“Illumination devices shall be placed, filtered, and shielded so direct rays will not be cast into the eyes of drivers or pedestrians.”
§22-13-4(b): Animated and Flashing Signs
“Signs other than automatic changeable copy signs that flash, blink, rotate, revolve, or have moving parts… are not allowed.”
External References
🗺️ Elberton Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Elberton Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal