Are LED Signs Allowed in Powder Springs, Cobb County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes. Powder Springs allows multiple message electronic signs in certain zoning districts.
“Multiple message electronic signs shall be permitted only in the MXU, O-I, NRC, CRC, LI, and HI zoning districts.”
These signs also require an electrical permit in addition to a sign permit, and a building permit may be needed depending on their size or structural aspects.
The ordinance also provides a variance process: property or sign owners may apply for relief from strict compliance under the city’s variance procedures.
Link to the official ordinance / code: Article 7, Signs and Advertising Devices, Powder Springs Unified Development Code
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Powder Springs Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Powder Springs Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | MXU, O-I, NRC, CRC, LI, HI |
| EMC sign styles allowed | The ordinance treats EMCs as replacing (or integrated with) ground, monument, or wall signs, as permitted in each district |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | Not explicitly addressed; EMCs must replace permitted signs on the same property (“in place of a sign that is permitted by Table 7-2”) |
| EMCs allowed in the public right-of-way | ❌ No – signs cannot encroach into the public right-of-way unless specifically authorized by the Mayor and Council |
| Minimum setback required | All signs must be at least one foot from the right-of-way and outside of visibility triangles |
| Use restrictions | Only one multiple message electronic sign per lot is allowed; must conform to the underlying permitted sign type in that district |
Zoning District Overview
Powder Springs uses a unified development code. The sign regulations in Article 7 reference the following zoning districts where EMCs are allowed:
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MXU (Mixed-Use)
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O-I (Office-Institutional)
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NRC (Neighborhood Retail Commercial)
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CRC (Community Retail Commercial)
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LI (Light Industrial)
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HI (Heavy Industrial)
These are the primary zoning districts where multiple message electronic signs are permitted.
Zoning-Specific Standards (Selected)
Below is a summary of key sign standards for EMCs and other electronic signs. These apply generally across districts; consult Table 7-2 for full details.
| Requirement | Standard / Notes |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes, but only in MXU, O-I, NRC, CRC, LI, HI districts |
| Maximum number per lot | One multiple message electronic sign per lot |
| Sign type substitution | EMC may be permitted in place of a sign already allowed under Table 7-2 |
| Ground / Monument style requirement | Ground signs must be monument style except temporary signs |
| Maximum height for ground signs | Varies by district; typically 10–15 ft, up to 20 ft on C. H. James Parkway |
| Wall signs | May not exceed the height of the building wall on which they are attached |
| Projecting signs | Any sign projecting more than 4 inches must maintain at least 8 ft ground clearance |
| Setback / Right-of-way | Minimum one foot from public or private right-of-way, outside visibility triangles |
| Illumination | Illuminated signs require an electrical permit; internal illumination is allowed subject to brightness and automatic dimming standards |
Permit Filing Requirements
To install an EMC sign in Powder Springs, the following permits and procedures apply:
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Sign Permit – Required for any ground, wall, or projecting sign needing a building or electrical permit, or any sign 16 sq ft or larger.
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Building Permit – Required for structurally supported signs or those larger than 15 sq ft.
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Electrical Permit – Required for illuminated or electronic signs.
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Application Requirements – Scaled drawings or plans, plot plan, sign dimensions, setbacks, construction details, and materials or illumination data.
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Processing Timelines –
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Standard signs: up to 15 days.
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Signs requiring architectural review: up to 30 days.
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Fees – Non-refundable application fee as set by City Council.
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Architectural Review – In designated districts or projects, signs must meet design compatibility standards.
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Appeals / Denials – Written reasons are issued for denials; applicants may appeal under administrative review procedures.
The city also provides a standard sign permit application form on its permitting page.
Local Project Examples
No public examples of EMC installations were identified in Powder Springs. Companies may insert local case studies or project summaries here if applicable.
Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim)
Sec. 7-64. Multiple Message Electronic Sign.
(a) Zoning District. Multiple message electronic signs shall be permitted only in the MXU, O-I, NRC, CRC, LI, and HI zoning districts. Unless otherwise specifically provided, a multiple message electronic sign shall only be permitted in place of a sign that is permitted by Table 7-2 of this article.
(b) Other Permits. Multiple message electronic signs require an electrical permit in addition to a sign permit, and a building permit may be required depending on size and construction.
(c) Limit. No more than one multiple message electronic sign shall be permitted per lot. Projecting signs must maintain a minimum of eight feet of ground clearance.
Sec. 7-44. Sign Setback.
No sign shall be located closer than one foot from the right-of-way of any road, and all signs must be outside sight-visibility triangles.
Table 7-1. Maximum Height of Ground Signs by Zoning District.
Typical maximum height: 10–15 ft; up to 20 ft on C. H. James Parkway.
Sec. 7-45. Sign Height / Wall Signs.
Wall signs shall not exceed the height of the building wall. Ground signs must follow district height limits.
Sec. 7-91. Building and Electrical Permits for Signs.
(a) A building permit is required for signs with an area over 15 sq ft.
(b) An electrical permit is required before installing any illuminated sign.
Sec. 7-93. Sign Permit Required.
A sign permit is required for ground, wall, or other signs that need building or electrical permits, or for signs 16 sq ft or larger.
Sec. 7-39. Sign Variance.
A property or sign owner may apply for a variance from sign provisions. The application must include scaled drawings, an inventory of existing signs, and the required fee.
External References
🗺️ Powder Springs Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Powder Springs Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal