Are LED Signs Allowed in Lithonia, DeKalb County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes. Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs are allowed within the City of Lithonia under the city’s Sign Ordinance (Ordinance No. 2020-05-19), which amends Chapter 21 of the municipal code. The ordinance recognizes digital and illuminated signage as regulated sign types permitted in designated commercial and industrial zoning districts.
“No sign or part of a sign shall encroach on any part of a state, county, or city right-of-way. All electrical signs must comply with applicable building and electrical codes.”
— City of Lithonia Sign Ordinance, Ord. No. 2020-05-19
While Lithonia’s ordinance does not use the specific term “Electronic Message Center,” it allows illuminated and electrical signage that complies with city and county standards. The City generally follows DeKalb County’s sign regulations, which include explicit provisions for electronic signs in non-residential districts.
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Lithonia Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Lithonia Zoning & GIS Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial and industrial zoning districts (subject to permit) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Freestanding (monument), wall, and projecting signs |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in the public right-of-way | ❌ No |
| Minimum setback required | Must not encroach on state, county, or city right-of-way |
| Use restrictions | EMCs are limited to commercial, industrial, or institutional properties |
Zoning District Overview
The City of Lithonia applies its local zoning ordinance in coordination with DeKalb County zoning classifications. Commercial and industrial districts (such as C-1 Commercial and M-1 Industrial) generally permit illuminated or electronic signage subject to size, height, and brightness controls.
Commercial and Industrial Zoning Standards (Example)
| Requirement | Commercial (C-1) | Industrial (M-1) |
|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Freestanding | Wall, Freestanding |
| Max number of EMCs | 1 per street frontage | 1 per frontage |
| Max area (wall-mounted) | 32 sq ft or 1 sq ft per linear ft of frontage | 100 sq ft total |
| Max height (freestanding) | 20 ft | 25 ft |
| Static illumination | ✅ Yes | |
| Animated or flashing signs | ❌ No | |
| Mechanical motion | ❌ Not permitted | |
| Off-premise content | ❌ Not permitted | |
| Setback requirement | 10 ft from ROW | 10 ft from ROW |
Permit Filing Requirements
Businesses or property owners must obtain a sign permit before installing an EMC sign.
Required documents:
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Completed Sign Permit Application
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Two hard copies and one digital copy of sign drawings
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Site plan showing lot boundaries, setbacks, and existing signage
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Electrical permit (if applicable)
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Proof of contractor license (for illuminated signage)
City Fees:
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Application fee: $25
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Sign permit: $75 (100 sq ft or more) – $150 (300 sq ft or more)
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Electrical sign fee: $100
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Late installation (without permit): Fee doubles
Local Project Example
LED Sign City assisted a Lithonia-area retail plaza in upgrading its static monument sign to a double-sided 4 × 8 EMC. The sign complied with setback and height limits, included automatic dimming, and received approval within 10 business days from the city’s Building Department.
Full Ordinance Reference
Ordinance No. 2020-05-19 – “An Ordinance to amend Chapter 21, Sign Ordinance, providing standards for sign type, illumination, and permitting within the City of Lithonia.”
External References
🗺️ Lithonia Zoning & GIS Map
📘 Lithonia Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal