Are LED Signs Allowed in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes. Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs — referred to in the Macon-Bibb County Comprehensive Land Development Resolution as “electronic changeable copy signs” — are allowed in certain nonresidential zoning districts, subject to strict limitations on size, illumination, and message change frequency.
Code Reference:
“Electronic changeable copy signs are permitted only in commercial, industrial, and certain institutional districts, provided that messages do not flash, blink, or scroll and that illumination complies with brightness and duration standards.”
— Macon-Bibb County Comprehensive Land Development Resolution, Chapter 25 – Signs
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Macon Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Macon Zoning & GIS Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | C-1, C-2, C-4, M-1, M-2, and Institutional zones |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Monument, Freestanding, Wall |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌No |
| EMCs in ROW | ❌Not allowed |
| Minimum setback required | Minimum 10 ft from right-of-way |
| Use restrictions | Permitted only for on-premise commercial, industrial, civic, or institutional uses |
| Message change frequency | Messages must remain static for at least 10 seconds before changing |
| Brightness control | Must automatically adjust to ambient light levels and not exceed 0.3 foot-candles above background at night |
Zoning District Overview
Macon-Bibb County’s zoning ordinance governs signage under its unified development code. EMCs are typically allowed in the following zoning districts:
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C-1 – Neighborhood Commercial
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C-2 – General Commercial
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C-4 – Central Business District
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M-1 – Light Industrial
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M-2 – Heavy Industrial
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I – Institutional
Commercial Zoning Standards
| Requirement | C-1 | C-2 / C-4 |
|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Sign types permitted | Monument, Wall | Monument, Freestanding, Wall |
| Max area | 32 sq. ft. | 100 sq. ft. |
| Max height | 12 ft | 20 ft |
| Message change frequency | ≥10 seconds | ≥10 seconds |
| Animated/scrolling text | ❌Not allowed | ❌Not allowed |
| Brightness control | Required | Required |
| Setback | 10 ft from ROW | 10 ft from ROW |
5. Industrial & Institutional Zoning Standards
| Requirement | M-1 | M-2 | Institutional |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Sign types permitted | Monument, Freestanding | Monument, Freestanding | Monument, Wall |
| Max area | 150 sq. ft. | 200 sq. ft. | 32 sq. ft. |
| Max height | 25 ft | 35 ft | 15 ft |
| Message change frequency | ≥10 seconds | ≥10 seconds | ≥10 seconds |
| Animated/scrolling text | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No |
| Off-premise content | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No |
Permit Filing Requirements
All EMC installations require a Sign Permit issued by the Macon-Bibb County Planning & Zoning Commission.
Applications must comply with zoning and building regulations and include electrical certification.
Required Forms:
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Sign Permit Application
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Site plan with location and dimensions
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Electrical permit (for illuminated signs)
Permit Fee:
Typically between $100 – $300, depending on size and review.
LED Sign City Service Fee (optional):
$325 flat-rate application handling
Local Project Example (Optional)
LED Sign City installed a 5x10 ft EMC for a car dealership in the C-2 District on Eisenhower Parkway.
The sign met all setback, brightness, and duration standards and was approved within 10 business days.
Full Ordinance Text (Excerpt)
Section 25.08 – Electronic Changeable Copy Signs
(a) Electronic changeable copy signs are permitted in commercial, industrial, and institutional districts.
(b) No flashing, blinking, or animated display shall be permitted.
(c) Each message shall remain fixed for a minimum of ten (10) seconds.
(d) The sign shall include automatic dimming to adjust to ambient light.
(e) Brightness shall not exceed 0.3 foot-candles over ambient light when measured at night from a distance determined by sign area.
(f) Off-premise electronic signs are prohibited.
External Reference Links
🗺️ Macon Zoning & GIS Map
📘 Macon Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal