Are LED Signs Allowed in Hapeville, Fulton County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes, with significant restrictions. Simulated Moving Message Signs (EMCs) are permitted only in the C-2 (General Commercial) and M-1 (Light Industrial) zoning districts, subject to a Special Use Permit and strict operational limitations.
The Hapeville Code of Ordinances states:
"Simulated moving message signs shall be permitted only in the C-2 and M-1 zoning districts, subject to the issuance of a special use permit... The sign shall be limited to a display of time, temperature, and/or date."
There is a variance process outlined in the code. A property owner can apply to the city's zoning board for a variance from the sign regulations if they can prove a hardship.
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Hapeville Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Hapeville Zoning & GIS Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | C-2 (General Commercial), M-1 (Light Industrial) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Typically integrated into a permitted Monument or Freestanding sign structure. |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in the public right-of-way | ❌ No |
| Minimum setback required | Must comply with setback rules for the primary sign type (e.g., Freestanding). |
| Use restrictions | Content is restricted to time, temperature, and date only. Requires a Special Use Permit. |
Zoning District Overview
Hapeville's zoning ordinance permits EMC signs in only two of its commercial/industrial districts.
Full List of Applicable Zoning Districts:
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C-2 (General Commercial)
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M-1 (Light Industrial)
Zoning-Specific Standards
Since EMCs are only allowed in C-2 and M-1 under the same strict conditions, a combined summary is provided.
| Requirement | C-2 & M-1 Districts |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes, with Special Use Permit |
| Permitted sign types | Integrated into a primary permitted sign (e.g., Freestanding, Monument) |
| Maximum number of EMCs | 1 per street frontage (inferred from general sign rules) |
| Maximum area | 50 sq. ft. for Freestanding/Monument signs in C-2; 75 sq. ft. in M-1. The EMC display would be a portion of this total area. |
| Maximum height | 25 feet for Freestanding/Monument signs in C-2; 35 feet in M-1. |
| Static illumination allowed | ✅ Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌ No (Prohibited by Sec. 93-341) |
| Mechanical motion | ❌ No |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌ No |
| Message change interval | Message must be static for a minimum of 30 seconds. |
| Content Restrictions | Limited to time, temperature, and date only. |
Permit Filing Requirements
Applying for an EMC sign in Hapeville is a two-step process due to the Special Use Permit requirement.
Required Process & Forms:
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Special Use Permit Application: Must be submitted and approved by the Hapeville Planning & Zoning Division and City Council for the EMC itself.
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Sign Permit Application: After the Special Use Permit is granted, a standard sign permit must be filed for the physical sign structure.
Permit Fee:
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Contact the Hapeville Community Development Department for current Special Use Permit and Sign Permit application fees.
Our Service Fee:
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Our fee to manage the Special Use Permit and Sign Permit application process for an EMC in Hapeville starts at $600, reflecting the added complexity.
Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim)
The following is the complete text from the Hapeville Code of Ordinances regarding EMC signs.
Sec. 93-341. - Simulated moving message signs.
(a) Simulated moving message signs shall be permitted only in the C-2 and M-1 zoning districts, subject to the issuance of a special use permit in accordance with article 4 of this chapter.
(b) The sign shall be limited to a display of time, temperature, and/or date.
(c) The message must be fixed for a minimum of 30 seconds.
(d) Animation of any kind is prohibited.
(Code 2004, § 93-256; Ord. No. 2011-08, 9-19-2011)
External References
🗺️ Hapeville Zoning & GIS Map
📘 Hapeville Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal