Are LED Signs Allowed in Riverdale, Clayton County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes. Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs are permitted in Riverdale, Georgia, under specific conditions outlined in the city's sign ordinance.
Official Ordinance Excerpt:
"Electronic message signs are permitted in commercial and industrial zoning districts, subject to the provisions of this chapter."
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Riverdale Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Riverdale Zoning & GIS Map
MC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial (C-1, C-2), Industrial (I-1, I-2) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Wall, Monument, Freestanding |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌No |
| EMCs allowed in public right-of-way | ❌No |
| Minimum setback required | 10 ft from property line |
| Use restrictions | Commercial and industrial uses only |
Zoning District Overview
Riverdale's zoning districts that permit signage include:
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Commercial Districts: C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial), C-2 (General Commercial)
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Industrial Districts: I-1 (Light Industrial), I-2 (Heavy Industrial)
Zoning-Specific Standards
Commercial Zoning Table
| Requirement | C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial) | C-2 (General Commercial) |
|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Monument, Freestanding | Wall, Monument, Freestanding |
| Maximum number of EMCs per frontage | 1 per street frontage | 1 per street frontage |
| Maximum area (wall-mounted) | 25 sq. ft. or 3 sq. ft/linear ft | 100 sq. ft. total |
| Maximum height | 20 ft or roofline | 20 ft |
| Static illumination allowed | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌No | ❌No |
| Mechanical motion | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌No | ❌No |
| Right-of-way projection | Max 24" | ❌Not allowed |
| Setback requirement | 10 ft from property line | 10 ft from property line |
Industrial Zoning Table
| Requirement | I-1 (Light Industrial) | I-2 (Heavy Industrial) |
|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Monument, Freestanding | Wall, Monument, Freestanding |
| Maximum number of EMCs per frontage | 1 per street frontage | 1 per street frontage |
| Maximum area (wall-mounted) | 25 sq. ft. or 3 sq. ft/linear ft | 100 sq. ft. total |
| Maximum height | 20 ft or roofline | 20 ft |
| Static illumination allowed | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌No | ❌No |
| Mechanical motion | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌No | ❌No |
| Right-of-way projection | Max 24" | ❌Not allowed |
| Setback requirement | 10 ft from property line | 10 ft from property line |
Permit Filing Requirements
Required Forms:
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Sign Permit Application
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Electrical Permit (if applicable)
Permit Fees:
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Approximately $150–$500, depending on size and district
LED Sign City Service Fee:
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$325 flat rate (if applicable)
Local Project Example
LED Sign City installed a 4x8 EMC at a local business on Main Street under C-2 zoning. The sign met all setback and height regulations and was permitted within 14 business days.
Full Ordinance Text
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Where allowed: Commercial (C-1, C-2) and Industrial (I-1, I-2) districts only. Not allowed in residential or civic districts.
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Sign types: Wall, freestanding, monument; projecting signs allowed if setback/height rules met.
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Size & height: Max 25 sq. ft. or 3 sq. ft./linear ft.; max height 20 ft or roofline.
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Illumination & motion: Static illumination allowed; animated signs prohibited; mechanical motion allowed.
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Content: Only on-premise commercial/industrial messages; off-premise prohibited.
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Setback/ROW: Minimum 10 ft from property line; max 24" projection into right-of-way.
External References
🗺️ Riverdale Zoning & GIS Map
📘 Riverdale Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal