Are LED Signs Allowed in Gilmer County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
No. EMC signs are not permitted anywhere in Gilmer County.
“EMCs of any kind or type, including conversion of existing billboards and signs to EMCs, of any size or any description, are prohibited.”
— Gilmer County Sign Ordinance, Sec. 6-46(10), adopted Nov. 14, 2024
🔗 Full Ordinance – Gilmer County Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – Gilmer County Zoning & Parcel View
Variance or Appeal Process
There is no formal variance or conditional-use provision for EMCs in Gilmer County. All applications to install, convert, or operate electronic message centers will be denied under the current code.
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | ❌ None |
| EMC sign styles allowed | ❌ None |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in right-of-way | ❌ No |
| Minimum setback required | N/A |
| Use restrictions | N/A |
Zoning District Overview
Gilmer County’s zoning framework governs all signs through the Gilmer County Land Development Code, Chapter 6, Article II (Signs).
Zoning Districts:
Common zoning designations include:
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C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial)
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C-2 (General Commercial)
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M-1 (Industrial)
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R-1, R-2 (Residential)
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A-1 (Agricultural)
While conventional static signs are permitted under specific conditions, no zoning district permits EMCs.
Zoning-Specific Standards
Because EMCs are banned, no district-specific tables or installation standards apply.
Permit Filing Requirements
Permit applications are only accepted for non-electronic signs such as:
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Monument signs
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Wall-mounted signs
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Freestanding pole signs (non-digital)
Permit Office Contact:
Gilmer County Planning & Zoning Department
1 Broad Street, Suite 106, Ellijay, GA 30540
📞 (706) 635-3406
There are no permit forms available for EMCs since they are not permitted.
Local Project Examples
None. Gilmer County prohibits all EMC installations, including conversions of existing billboards to digital formats.
Full Ordinance Text (Relevant Section)
Section 6-46(10) – Prohibited Signs
“EMCs of any kind or type, including conversion of existing billboards and signs to EMCs, of any size or any description.”
Fallback Provisions:
a. “Off-premises EMCs of any kind or type…”
b. “If both full and off-premises bans are invalidated by a court, EMCs shall only operate from 30 minutes after dawn and 30 minutes before sunset.”
External References
🗺️ Gilmer Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Gilmer Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal