Are LED Signs Allowed in Franklin Springs, Franklin County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
❌ No. EMC signs are expressly prohibited within the City of Franklin Springs.
The city's code defines "Changeable Copy Sign" and specifically forbids this type of sign, which includes Electronic Message Centers.
"Changeable Copy Sign: A sign whose informational content can be changed or altered by manual or electric, electro-mechanical or electronic means. CHANGEABLE COPY SIGNS ARE PROHIBITED."
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Franklin Springs Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Franklin Springs Zoning & Parcel View
Ordinance Statement
The prohibition is clear and absolute. The definition of a "Changeable Copy Sign" in Section 9.2 of the ordinance explicitly includes signs altered by electronic means, and it is followed by the capitalized statement: "CHANGEABLE COPY SIGNS ARE PROHIBITED."
This prohibition is not tied to a specific zoning district; it is a city-wide regulation.
Is there a variance process?
The ordinance does not outline a specific variance process for prohibited sign types. Any potential change to this regulation would likely require an official amendment to the city's Unified Development Ordinance by the Mayor and City Council.
EMC Sign Summary Table
Since EMCs are prohibited as a form of changeable copy sign, a summary of allowances and restrictions is not applicable.
Zoning District Overview
While the sign prohibition is city-wide, Franklin Springs utilizes a standard zoning framework. The primary districts include:
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R-1: Single-Family Residential
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R-2: Multi-Family Residential
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C-1: Commercial
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I-1: Industrial
Despite the existence of commercial and industrial districts where one might expect EMCs to be permitted, the overarching sign ordinance in Article 9 prohibits them universally.
Official Zoning Reference: For reference, the full zoning ordinance, including a zoning map, can be viewed on the city's website.
Zoning-Specific Standards
❌ Not applicable. The prohibition on Changeable Copy Signs, including EMCs, applies to all zoning districts (R-1, R-2, C-1, I-1) within the city limits.
Permit Filing Requirements
There are no permit requirements for EMC signs because they are not a permitted sign type. Applying for a permit for a prohibited sign would result in a denial.
Local Project Examples
❌ No local examples of EMC installations can be provided, as they are not compliant with the city's code.
Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim)
The following is excerpted directly from the City of Franklin Springs Unified Development Ordinance, Article 9: Signs.
Section 9.2 - Definitions
Changeable Copy Sign: A sign whose informational content can be changed or altered by manual or electric, electro-mechanical or electronic means. CHANGEABLE COPY SIGNS ARE PROHIBITED.
Section 9.4 - Prohibited Signs
The list of prohibited signs includes any sign not expressly permitted by this Article. Since Changeable Copy Signs are defined as prohibited, EMCs fall under this blanket prohibition.
External References
🗺️ Franklin Springs Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Franklin Springs Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal