Are LED Signs Allowed in Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes, but only as part of approved billboards in specific zoning districts along designated corridors with a Special Use Permit.
"Exposed neon tubing and signs containing words or symbols shaped or formed directly from neon tubes, LED lighting, or similar illuminating devices are prohibited, except on billboards with Special Use Permit along Highway 316/University Parkway."
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Lawrenceville Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Lawrenceville Zoning & Parcel View
Variance or Special Use: EMCs are only allowed as part of billboard structures in HSB, LM, or HM zoning districts with a Special Use Permit. No general variance exists for commercial or residential properties.
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | HSB, LM, HM (billboards only, Special Use Permit required) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Billboard face only |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | Only as permitted on billboard messages |
| EMCs in ROW | ❌Not allowed |
| Minimum setback required | 10 ft from ROW, 25 ft base |
| Use restrictions | Only as part of approved billboard along designated corridors |
Zoning District Overview
Lawrenceville has multiple zoning districts with signage regulations, including:
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HSB – Highway Services Business
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LM – Light Manufacturing
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HM – Heavy Manufacturing
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RS-60, RS-150, RS-180 – Residential
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Commercial and civic districts
Only billboards in HSB, LM, and HM along Georgia Highway 316/University Parkway may have EMCs with a Special Use Permit.
Commercial/Highway Billboard Standards (EMC Exception)
| Requirement | HSB / LM / HM (Billboard) |
|---|---|
| EMC Allowed | Only as part of billboard, Special Use Permit required |
| Max EMCs per structure | 1 per direction (max 3 per structure) |
| Max area | 672 sq. ft per face |
| Max height | 45 ft |
| Minimum setback from ROW | 10 ft (sign), 25 ft (base) |
| Separation | 1,000 ft same side / 600 ft opposite side of Hwy 316 corridor |
| Illumination | Static only; no flashing or moving content |
| Off-premise content | Only for permitted billboard messages |
| Variance | Limited to height adjustments for physical hardship; cannot exceed 75 ft |
Permit Filing Requirements
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Required forms: Standard Sign Permit Application, Special Use Permit
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Permit fee: Determined per Special Use Permit review
Local Project Example
No general EMC installations exist outside permitted billboards. Any digital billboard must follow the corridor-specific standards along Georgia Highway 316/University Parkway.
Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim)
Relevant excerpts:
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Section 701.B.3: "Exposed neon tubing and signs containing words or symbols shaped or formed directly from neon tubes, LED lighting, or similar illuminating devices are prohibited."
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Section 702.1: EMCs are only allowed on billboards with Special Use Permit in HSB, LM, or HM zones along Georgia Highway 316.
External References
🗺️ Lawrenceville Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Lawrenceville Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal