Are LED Signs Allowed in Harlem, Columbia County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes, but with strict limitations.
Electronic Message Center (EMC) or LED signs are permitted in the City of Harlem, Georgia, but they must meet specific size, illumination, and content restrictions. Fully animated, scrolling, or flashing displays are prohibited.
“Changeable Copy – Capable of changing… Sign shall not simulate movement, flash, fade, or scroll, but shall remain constant in lighting, color, and all other changeable variables allowed by technology. The sign may not change more than twice per minute and shall not exceed 50% of the overall display area or 30 square feet, whichever is less.”
— Harlem Sign Regulations (§108-241)
Variance or Appeals:
The ordinance does not provide a specific variance process for EMCs beyond the standard sign permit review. For possible exceptions, applicants should contact the Harlem Planning Department.
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Harlem Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Harlem Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer / Limitation |
|---|---|
| EMC / Changeable copy signs allowed | ✅ Yes, under restrictions |
| Animated, scrolling, or flashing signs | ❌Not allowed |
| Maximum LED display area | 30 sq. ft. |
| Changeable copy portion | ≤ 50% of total sign area or 30 sq. ft. (whichever is less) |
| Message change frequency | ≤ 2 per minute |
| EMCs in public right-of-way | ❌Not allowed |
| Off-premise EMCs | ❌Not allowed |
| Zoning districts | Must comply with general sign code in all applicable districts |
| Illumination limits | Must remain static in brightness and color |
| Permit required | ✅ Yes, through the City of Harlem Planning Department |
Zoning District Overview
The City of Harlem regulates signage under Chapter 108 – Land Use, Article VII: Sign Regulations.
The ordinance applies citywide, across all zoning districts where signage is allowed. Each zoning designation may have specific dimensional standards or overlay requirements, especially in the Historic District.
Note: Properties located in historic areas must also obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) before sign installation.
EMC-Specific Standards
| Requirement | Rule / Description |
|---|---|
| Prohibited sign types | Animated, roof, tri-vision, stanchion, or portable signs |
| LED sign face size limit | ≤ 30 sq ft |
| Change frequency | Max 2 changes per minute |
| Brightness / color changes | Must remain static; no flashing or fading |
| Setback | Must comply with general setback rules (no encroachment into ROW) |
| Illumination | Constant, non-moving light only |
| Historic district signs | Require COA approval before permitting |
| Permit requirement | Permanent sign permit required for all EMCs |
Permit Filing Requirements
Required Steps:
-
Complete the Permanent Sign Application
-
Submit supporting materials:
-
Scaled drawing of the proposed sign
-
Description of electronic display components
-
Engineered drawings for signs taller than 15 ft
-
-
Include COA application (if property is in a Historic District)
-
Pay permit fees:
-
$50 sign permit fee
-
Additional $25 for Historic District review (if applicable)
-
-
Submit to: Harlem Planning & Zoning Department
Contact:
City of Harlem Planning Department
📞 (706) 556-0043
🌐 www.harlemga.org
Local Project Notes
While Harlem is a smaller jurisdiction, several small businesses and churches have successfully installed LED message boards under these rules. Compliance typically requires that the display remain static and under the 30 sq ft limit.
Example: A 4′ × 6′ (24 sq ft) freestanding LED sign at a church on Milledgeville Rd met all setback and illumination rules and was approved within two weeks.
Full Ordinance Text
Section 108-241 – General Sign Regulations
“Changeable Copy – Capable of changing… Sign shall not simulate movement, flash, fade or scroll, but shall remain constant in lighting, color, and all other changeable variables allowed by technology. The sign may not change more than twice per minute and shall not exceed 50% of the overall display area or 30 square feet, whichever is less.”“Animated signs, LED signs with a sign face over 30 square feet, tri-vision signs, and stanchion signs are prohibited.”
“Signs in the public right-of-way or on public property … other than official signs … are prohibited.”
External References
🗺️ Harlem Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Harlem Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal