Are LED Signs Allowed in Nicholls, Coffee County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
❌ No. EMC (Electronic Message Center) signs are not permitted in any zoning district in the City of Nicholls.
“A sign may not involve or contain intermittent lighting, animation, motion, or rotation of any part of a sign or sign structure or display… Flashing or color-changing illumination is prohibited.”
(Nicholls Zoning Code, §4-4, Appearance and illumination of signs)
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Nicholls Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Nicholls Zoning & Parcel View
There is no variance or special exception provision specifically for digital or EMC signage. Chapter 6 (§6-3 Variances) allows variances for dimensional standards only—not for prohibited uses such as animated or illuminated flashing signage.
Ordinance Statement (Direct Excerpt)
“A sign may not involve or contain intermittent lighting, animation, motion, or rotation of any part of a sign or sign structure or display; except for signs erected by public governmental agencies or signs required by law.”
“Flashing or color-changing illumination is prohibited.”
(Nicholls Zoning Code, §4-4a, §4-4d)
Therefore, EMCs—which rely on changing electronic messages—fall under this prohibition.
Summary Table (❌ Not Applicable)
Since EMCs are not permitted within city limits, no zoning tables or dimensional standards for EMCs apply.
External Reference
For updates or future ordinance changes, contact or visit the City of Nicholls Planning & Zoning Department.
Full Ordinance Text (Relevant Sections)
Nicholls Zoning Code – Chapter 4: Sign Regulations (Excerpts)
§4-4 Appearance and Illumination of Signs
a. “A sign may not involve or contain intermittent lighting, animation, motion, or rotation of any part of a sign or sign structure or display; except for signs erected by public governmental agencies or signs required by law.”
b. “A sign shall not produce noise or sounds.”
c. “A sign shall not produce or emit smoke, vapor, particles, or odor.”
d. “Signs may be illuminated directly or indirectly. All illumination shall be positioned and directed so as not to shine upon other property. Flashing or color-changing illumination is prohibited.”
§4-3 Prohibited Locations
“No signs other than those signs erected by public governmental agencies or signs required by law shall be placed upon, or so as to overhang, any portion of public rights-of-way or other public properties.”
External References
🗺️ Nicholls Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Nicholls Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal