Are LED Signs Allowed in Charlton County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes, but with limitations.
While Folkston’s sign code does not specifically list EMC signs, any sign not expressly allowed—including EMCs—requires review and a permit. Property owners should consult the City Manager or Planning Department before pursuing installation.
"All signs not expressly allowed by these regulations are prohibited."
🔗 Full Ordinance – Charlton County Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – Charlton County Zoning & Parcel View
Currently, there is no formal variance or conditional use process specifically for EMCs, so approval would be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Summary Table (For Reference)
Although EMCs are not clearly authorized, the table below summarizes other permitted sign types in Folkston:
| Feature | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Wall signs | ✅Yes |
| Freestanding / Ground signs | ✅Yes |
| Projecting signs | ✅Yes |
| Under-canopy signs | ✅Yes |
| Off-premise / billboards | ✅Yes, only on commercial or industrial properties along state/federal highways |
| EMC / digital signs | Not explicitly allowed; review required |
| ROW projection | Limited by code |
| Setback requirements | Varies by zoning and highway adjacency |
Zoning District Overview
Folkston allows most signs in commercial or industrial zoning districts, particularly along major state or federal highways. The city restricts off-premise signs to these areas.
Permit Filing Requirements
All non-exempt signs, including EMCs, require a permit:
-
Application Review: Within 15 days by the City Manager
-
Permit Duration: Valid for 180 days
-
Required Information:
-
Type of sign
-
Property address and location of sign
-
Sign area per face and total
-
Owner consent
-
Drawings/sketches of sign and site
-
Georgia-registered engineer seal if height exceeds 10 ft
-
GDOT permit if adjacent to state/federal highway
-
Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim)
Chapter 10 – Signs, City of Folkston Land Development Code:
"It shall be unlawful for any person to post, display, and change or erect a non-exempt sign or any structure that requires a permit, without first having obtained a permit. All signs not expressly allowed by these regulations are prohibited."
External Reference Links
🗺️ Charlton County Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Charlton County Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal