Are LED Signs Allowed in Fannin County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
❌ No. Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs — also referred to as LED, digital, or computer-controlled light-emitting diode signs — are prohibited in Fannin County, including the City of McCaysville.
“No digital, computer controlled or light-emitting diode sign, Billboard type or any other type, shall be permitted within two thousand feet from a currently designated ‘dark sky’ area… Setback requirements for digital, computer controlled or light-emitting diode signs, Billboard type or any other type, shall be 500 feet from a residence… and shall not be located within two thousand five hundred (2,500) feet of another similar electronic sign.”
— Fannin County Outdoor Sign Ordinance §1-1-18 (Tables 1-1-18(2) and (3))
Furthermore, §1-1-11(f) explicitly prohibits “flashing, blinking, or varying light intensity signs,” which includes most EMC-style displays.
🔗 Full Ordinance – Fannin County Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – Fannin County Zoning & Parcel View
Summary:
EMC signs are not allowed anywhere in McCaysville or the unincorporated areas of Fannin County.
There is no standard permitting process for new EMCs.
Variance Option:
A variance may be requested under §1-1-21(b) if an “extraordinary and exceptional condition” applies, but such variances are granted only in rare cases and cannot contradict the purpose of the ordinance.
EMC Sign Summary Table (❌ Not Applicable)
Since EMCs are prohibited, additional technical or zoning allowances do not apply.
Zoning District Overview
Fannin County’s Outdoor Sign Ordinance applies to all unincorporated areas, including McCaysville, and regulates signs by location type (primary roads, non-primary roads, and special areas).
Key Zoning References:
-
Business, industrial, and commercial areas are governed by uniform sign height and area limits.
-
Billboards are only allowed along designated highways (GA-5, GA-60, Spur-60, and Hwy-515).
-
EMC/digital signs remain prohibited regardless of zoning district.
General Sign Standards (Applicable to Non-EMC Signs)
| Feature | Standard |
|---|---|
| Maximum sign height | 10 ft (20 ft for businesses on primary roads) |
| Maximum area | Up to 50 sq. ft per business frontage |
| Setback | Minimum 20 ft from pavement or ROW |
| Illumination | Must be static; flashing or changing light prohibited |
| Off-premise signs | Restricted to specific state highways |
| Lighting | Must point downward; fully shielded; off by 11 PM |
Source: Fannin County Outdoor Sign Ordinance §1-1-18
Permit Filing Requirements
To install any non-EMC sign, a permit is required through the Fannin County Land Development Office.
Required Information:
-
Type, size, and location of sign
-
Owner consent and contractor details
-
Sketch or scale drawing with materials
-
Electrical permit (if illuminated)
Permit Fees (§1-1-6):
| Sign Area | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1–32 sq ft | $100 |
| 33–64 sq ft | $200 |
| 65–100 sq ft | $300 |
| Temporary sign (10 days) | $25 |
Local Project Examples
❌ No EMC projects have been approved in McCaysville or Fannin County due to the countywide prohibition on digital signs. Businesses continue to use static monument or wall signs compliant with illumination limits.
Full Ordinance Text (Relevant Sections)
-
§1-1-11(f): Prohibits flashing or varying-light signs
-
§1-1-16: Restricts brightness and illumination hours
-
§1-1-18(2)–(3): Forbids digital or LED billboards
-
§1-1-21: Outlines variance process
-
ORD #2024-018, Approved February 13 2024
External References
🗺️ Fannin County Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Fannin County Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal