Are LED Signs Allowed in Marietta, Cobb County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes, Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs are allowed in the City of Marietta, provided they meet the city’s regulations regarding size, location, and illumination. However, signs that flash, blink, move, or simulate motion are prohibited.
Relevant ordinance excerpt:
“Signs which contain or consist of flashing, intermittent, or moving lights are prohibited, except for those giving public service information such as time and temperature.”
This means EMCs can be installed if they operate as static or periodically changing displays — not flashing or animated — and comply with zoning and size requirements.
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Marietta Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Marietta Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial and Industrial districts (as permitted under Division 714) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Monument, Freestanding, Wall |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in public right-of-way | ❌ No |
| Minimum setback required | Must be on private property, outside the public ROW |
| Use restrictions | Only for on-premise business or institutional uses |
Zoning District Overview
Marietta’s zoning ordinance divides the city into multiple commercial, industrial, residential, and mixed-use districts. EMC signs are primarily allowed in commercial and industrial zones where illuminated or freestanding signs are permitted.
To determine a property’s zoning, users can consult the city’s zoning map or contact the Planning & Zoning Department. The zoning designation determines whether a business may install an EMC, and what maximum area or height limits apply.
Common zoning districts that typically allow signs include:
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CRC (Community Retail Commercial)
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LRO (Limited Retail/Office)
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LI (Light Industrial)
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HI (Heavy Industrial)
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MXD (Mixed-Use Development)
Residential and purely civic zones usually restrict electronic signs to institutional or public uses, such as schools or churches.
Zoning-Specific Standards
Example – Commercial Zoning Table
| Requirement | CRC | LRO |
|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Monument, Freestanding | Wall, Monument |
| Max EMC area (wall-mounted) | 25 sq. ft. or 3 sq. ft. per linear foot | 20 sq. ft. |
| Max height (freestanding) | 20 ft | 15 ft |
| Static illumination | Allowed | Allowed |
| Animated / flashing signs | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| Off-premise content | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Setback requirement | Minimum 10 ft from ROW | Minimum 10 ft |
Example – Industrial Zoning Table
| Requirement | LI | HI |
|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Monument, Freestanding | Wall, Monument, Freestanding |
| Max area | 100 sq. ft. total | 150 sq. ft. total |
| Max height | 25 ft | 30 ft |
| Static illumination | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Animated / flashing signs | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Setback requirement | 10 ft from property line | 10 ft from property line |
Permit Filing Requirements
All EMC installations require a sign permit from the City of Marietta’s Planning & Zoning Department.
Required forms:
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Sign Permit Application
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Electrical Permit (if the EMC is illuminated)
Permit fees:
Approximately $150 – $500, depending on the size, type, and zoning district.
LED Sign City permit filing fee (if using a service):
$325 flat rate
Application must include:
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Property address and zoning district
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Detailed site plan and sign dimensions
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Structural drawings and lighting specifications
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Certification of compliance with setback and height limits
After submission, permits are reviewed for zoning compliance, illumination safety, and traffic visibility. Approval usually takes 10–15 business days.
Local Project Example
LED Sign City recently completed a permitted EMC installation for a retail business in a commercial zone of Marietta. The monument-style digital display was set 10 feet from the property line, within the maximum 20-foot height limit, and programmed for static image rotation every 10 seconds. The project met all city regulations and received approval within two weeks.
Full Ordinance Text (Relevant Sections)
Division 714 – Signs
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Signs must comply with zoning, area, height, and setback regulations.
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Signs with flashing, blinking, or moving lights are prohibited.
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Digital or electronic message signs are allowed if static or time-limited, and not distracting to motorists.
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Off-premise signs or billboards are restricted to certain corridors under separate permitting.
External References
🗺️ Marietta Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Marietta Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal