Are LED Signs Allowed in Grady County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes. Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs may be installed in Grady County if they meet the County’s general sign standards for size, height, and lighting.
The Grady County Code of Ordinances regulates all signage under a single set of standards. While EMCs are not mentioned by name, the county allows illuminated signage provided the lighting is white light only and illuminates the sign surface without flashing or color changes.
This means static or fixed-message digital signs that comply with those lighting and size restrictions can generally be approved through the standard permitting process.
Official Ordinance Language:
“The maximum height of any sign or billboard, including its supporting structure, shall be 36 feet. Signs and billboards shall have a maximum of two sign faces. The maximum surface area of any sign face shall be 300 square feet. The lighting for signs shall illuminate the sign only and the lighting shall be white light only.”
🔗 Full Ordinance – Grady County Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – Grady County Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Not specified; allowed where general signage is permitted |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Freestanding, Monument, or Wall |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | Possibly, under billboard regulations |
| EMCs in right-of-way | ❌Not allowed |
| Minimum setback required | Must comply with sign and zoning setbacks |
| Lighting restrictions | White light only; must illuminate the sign surface (no flashing or animation) |
Zoning District Overview
Grady County’s sign rules apply across commercial and industrial zoning districts. Signs are permitted for on-premise business identification and advertising in districts such as:
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Commercial (C-1, C-2)
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Industrial (I-1, I-2)
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Agricultural (A-1) for limited uses
General Signage Standards
| Feature | Regulation |
|---|---|
| Maximum height | 36 feet |
| Maximum number of faces | 2 |
| Maximum area per face | 300 sq. ft. |
| Lighting | Must illuminate the sign surface only, with white light |
| Off-premise advertising | Allowed under billboard standards |
| Exemptions | Government signs are exempt from these requirements |
Permit Filing Requirements
All new signs in Grady County require a permit from the Planning & Zoning Department.
Steps to apply:
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Complete a Sign Permit Application
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Provide sign design and site location
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Confirm compliance with height, area, and lighting limits
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Pay applicable county fees
Full Ordinance Text (Relevant Excerpt)
“The maximum height of any sign or billboard, including its supporting structure, shall be 36 feet. Signs and billboards shall have a maximum of two sign faces. The maximum surface area of any sign face shall be 300 square feet. The lighting for signs shall illuminate the sign only and the lighting shall be white light only. Signs and billboards of a state or county government are exempted from these regulations.”
(Source: Grady County Code of Ordinances – Sign and Billboard Regulations)
External References
🗺️ Grady Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Grady Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal