Are LED Signs Allowed in Forest Park, Clayton County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes. Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs are permitted in Forest Park, Georgia, within designated commercial and industrial zoning districts. These signs can display digital messages, graphics, or text, making them an effective tool for businesses, institutions, and organizations to communicate with the public.
Forest Park’s sign regulations allow EMCs as long as they meet specific size, height, illumination, and setback requirements. Off-premise content is not permitted, and EMCs cannot extend into public rights-of-way. The ordinance also specifies that animated or flashing content is restricted, ensuring that EMCs do not become a distraction to drivers or pedestrians.
"Electronic message signs shall be permitted in designated commercial and industrial zoning districts and must comply with size, illumination, and setback requirements as defined in the Forest Park Municipal Code."
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Forest Park Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Forest Park Zoning & GIS Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial and Industrial districts |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Wall, Monument, Freestanding |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌No |
| EMCs in public right-of-way allowed | ❌No |
| Minimum setback required | Typically 10 ft from property line or right-of-way (ROW) |
| Use restrictions | EMCs permitted for commercial or industrial uses only |
Zoning District Overview
Forest Park's zoning framework includes various districts that govern signage, including commercial and industrial zones. Specific zoning classifications and their corresponding regulations can be found in the city's official zoning map and municipal code.
Zoning-Specific Standards
| Requirement | Commercial Districts | Industrial Districts |
|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Monument, Freestanding | Wall, Monument, Freestanding |
| Max EMCs per frontage | 1 | 1 |
| Max area (wall-mounted) | Varies by district | Varies by district |
| Max height | Varies by district | Varies by district |
| Static illumination | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌No | ❌No |
| Mechanical motion | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Off-premise content | ❌No | ❌No |
| ROW projection | Max 24" | ❌Not allowed |
| Setback required | 10 ft | 10 ft |
Note: Specific values for maximum area and height vary by district and should be referenced in the official zoning code.
Permit Filing Requirements
To apply for an EMC permit in Forest Park:
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Required forms: Zoning Permit Application, Electrical Permit
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Permit fees: Approximately $150 - $500, depending on size and district
- Permit Application Portal: Forest Park Permits & Inspections
Local Project Example
LED Sign City installed a 4x8 EMC at a church on Broad Street under CMX-2. The sign met all setback and height regulations and was permitted within 14 business days.
Full Ordinance Text
Forest Park’s Sign Ordinance (§8-3) allows Electronic Message Centers (EMCs) in commercial and industrial districts with these key rules:
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EMCs can be wall-mounted, freestanding, or monument signs.
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Maximum freestanding height: 20 ft; wall-mounted area: up to 100 sq. ft.
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Off-premise content is not allowed.
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Animated or flashing messages are restricted; messages must remain static for designated intervals.
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Signs must be at least 10 ft from property lines or rights-of-way and cannot project more than 24 inches into the public ROW.
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Permits required: Zoning permit + electrical permit with design drawings and specifications.
External References
🗺️ Forest Park Zoning & GIS Map
📘 Forest Park Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal