Are LED Signs Allowed in Pembroke, Bryan County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning

EMC Sign Allowed?

✅ Yes, with restrictions.
The City of Pembroke permits Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs in specific zoning districts, subject to compliance with size, illumination, and operational standards.

Ordinance Excerpt:

“Electronic message boards or digital display signs shall be permitted only when static in nature and shall not flash, blink, or scroll. The message change shall not occur more frequently than once every ten (10) seconds.”

🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Pembroke Sign Code

🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Pembroke Zoning & GIS Map

EMC Sign Summary Table

Feature	Answer
Zoning districts that allow EMCs	Commercial (C-1), Institutional/Public Use
EMC sign styles allowed	Freestanding, Monument, Wall
Off-premise EMCs allowed	❌No
EMCs allowed in public ROW	❌No
Minimum setback required	10 ft from property line or right-of-way
Use restrictions	EMCs allowed for on-premise commercial, civic, or institutional uses only
Message duration	Must remain static for at least 10 seconds
Flashing or scrolling	❌Prohibited
Brightness limit	Must not cause glare or distraction to motorists

Zoning District Overview

The City of Pembroke employs traditional zoning classifications distinguishing between residential, commercial, and public/institutional areas. EMC signs are generally permitted only in commercial and public/institutional districts.

Zoning Districts in Pembroke:

R-1: Residential
R-2: Residential (Multifamily)
C-1: Commercial
I-1: Industrial
P/I: Public/Institutional

Zoning-Specific Standards

Commercial Districts (C-1)

Requirement	C-1
EMC allowed	✅Yes
Permitted sign types	Wall, Projecting, Freestanding
Max EMCs per frontage	1
Max area (wall-mounted)	25 sq. ft. or 3 sq. ft/linear ft
Max height	20 ft or roofline
Static illumination	✅Yes
Animated signs	❌No
Mechanical motion	✅Yes
Off-premise content	❌No
ROW projection	Max 24"
Setback required	10 ft

Public/Institutional Districts (P/I)

Requirement	P/I
EMC allowed	✅Yes
Permitted sign types	Monument or Freestanding
Max area	50 sq. ft.
Max height	10 ft
Message duration	≥10 seconds
Animated/scrolling signs	❌Not allowed
Setback	10 ft from ROW
Use restriction	On-premise only (e.g., schools, churches, public buildings)

Permit Filing Requirements

To install an EMC sign in Pembroke, applicants must obtain a Sign Permit from City Hall before installation.

Required Forms:

Sign Permit Application
Site Plan (showing sign location, dimensions, and setback)
Electrical Permit (if illuminated)

Permit Fees:
Varies by sign size and complexity (contact City Clerk for current rates).

Submit Application To:
City of Pembroke City Hall
106 2nd Street
Pembroke, GA 31321

Local Project Example

A local church in Pembroke installed a small monument-style EMC sign along Main Street under the city’s commercial sign standards. The display operates with static messages changing every 15 seconds, consistent with ordinance requirements.

Full Ordinance Text (Excerpt)

Section 32-64 – Signs