Are LED Signs Allowed in Greensboro, Greene County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes, with restrictions. EMC signs are permitted in Greensboro, but only in specific zoning districts and under strict conditions as outlined in the city's sign ordinance.
The ordinance states: "Changeable copy signs may be electronic changeable copy signs... provided that such signs shall meet the following requirements..."
These requirements include limitations on zoning, sign type, size, and operation.
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Greensboro Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Greensboro Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | C-2 (Highway Commercial), I-1 (Industrial) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Wall, Monument |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in the public right-of-way | ❌ No |
| Minimum setback required | 10 feet from any property line |
| Use restrictions | Limited to commercial and industrial uses in C-2 and I-1 districts. |
Zoning District Overview
Greensboro's zoning is governed by its Unified Development Code. The districts relevant to EMC signage are the commercial and industrial classifications.
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C-2 (Highway Commercial): Designed for businesses requiring high visibility and vehicular access along major roadways.
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I-1 (Industrial): Intended for manufacturing, warehousing, and other industrial uses.
Official Zoning Map: To confirm the zoning for a specific property, you should contact the Greensboro Planning & Zoning Department directly, as a public-facing GIS map may not be available.
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Zoning-Specific Standards
The standards below are consolidated from the ordinance, which applies equally to the C-2 and I-1 districts where EMCs are permitted.
Commercial & Industrial Zoning Table
| Requirement | Standard for C-2 & I-1 |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Monument |
| Maximum number of EMCs | 1 per street frontage |
| Maximum area (total for all signs) | 100 sq. ft. |
| Maximum height | 25 ft. for freestanding/monument signs |
| Static illumination allowed | ✅ Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌ No - "Animation, streaming, or flashing of any kind is prohibited." |
| Mechanical motion | ❌ No |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌ No |
| Message Duration | Minimum 10-second static display |
| Transition Effect | Immediate change only (no fade, scroll, or animation) |
| Setback requirement | 10 ft. from any property line |
Permit Filing Requirements
All signs in Greensboro require a permit before installation. The process involves review by the Building Inspector to ensure compliance with the Unified Development Code.
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Required forms: City of Greensboro Sign Permit Application.
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Required information: Site plan, sign design drawing with dimensions, materials, and construction details.
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Permit fee: Contact the Greensboro City Hall for the current fee schedule.
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Our Service Fee: LED Sign City offers full permit preparation and filing services for this jurisdiction starting at $300.
Official Contact: For applications and questions, contact the Greensboro Building Inspector at Greensboro City Hall.
Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim)
The following is the direct text from the City of Greensboro Unified Development Code, Chapter 11, Article 4, regarding EMC signs:
Sec. 11-4-4 - Changeable Copy Signs.
Changeable copy signs may be electronic changeable copy signs, provided that such signs shall meet the following requirements:
(a) Zoning: Such signs shall only be permitted in C-2 and I-1 zoning districts.
(b) Sign Type: Such signs shall only be permitted as wall signs or monument signs.
(c) Number: Only one (1) such sign shall be permitted per street frontage.
(d) Area: The total area for all signs on the property shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet.
(e) Height: No freestanding sign shall exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height.
(f) Setback: All signs shall be set back a minimum of ten (10) feet from any property line.
(g) Operation: The message shall be a static display and shall have a minimum duration of ten (10) seconds. The change from one message to the next shall be accomplished immediately. Animation, streaming, or flashing of any kind is prohibited.
External References
🗺️ Greensboro Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Greensboro Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal