Are LED Signs Allowed in Roswell, Fulton County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes. The city of Roswell permits installation of signs under its unified development code (UDC) via Roswell Unified Development Code, Article 10, Section 10.3 “Signs”. The fact that signs are regulated and permitted under this section means that electronic message centers (EMCs) may be allowed, subject to compliance with the general sign provisions and any supplemental regulations.
Note: While the code does not explicitly single out “electronic message center” or “digital message sign” by that exact term in the portion reviewed, the general sign-regulation framework (Section 10.3) governs signage types and allows permitted signs subject to standards. Therefore, the starting assumption is “Yes—permitted” unless the local building/permit office indicates otherwise.
If you wish, you should confirm with the city’s Community Development/Planning Division whether there are any specific additional rules or prohibited uses for EMCs beyond the standard sign provisions of §10.3.
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Roswell Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Roswell Zoning & GIS Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
Since the code does not yet clearly delineate special EMC-only rules (at least not in the portion reviewed), you’ll likely need to combine the general rules from the UDC with any local practice or guidance. Here is a provisional summary which you should verify with the city:
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial and industrial districts under Roswell’s UDC-signage regime |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Wall-mounted, freestanding/monument, projecting (subject to general sign type allowances in §10.3) |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No explicit allowance found – require verification with city |
| EMCs allowed in the public right-of-way | ❌ Not clearly stated – consult city permitting for ROW signs |
| Minimum setback required | Setback rules appear under generic sign standards in §10.3 – check exact requirement per zoning district |
| Use restrictions | Signs must comply with the UDC’s general sign criteria in §10.3 and applicable zoning district sign allowances |
Zoning District Overview
The UDC for Roswell provides that signs are regulated in the context of the city’s zoning and development framework (see UDC, Article 10, Section 10.3 “Signs”).
To use this effectively:
-
Reference the Roswell Zoning Map / parcel viewer (available via Roswell’s Planning & Zoning page) to identify the zoning designation of a given property.
-
Note that Roswell includes a variety of zoning districts (residential, commercial, mixed‐use, industrial, institutional).
-
Because the sign-code (§10.3) governs all signage, businesses should first identify the zoning district of their property, then review the sign allowances for that district, then confirm sign type allowances under §10.3.
-
For example: if a property is zoned “C-X” (Commercial Mixed‐Use) or “LI” (Light Industrial) you would check the sign provisions for that district plus the general sign standards of §10.3.
Zoning-Specific Standards
Below is an example table structure based on commercial zoning districts for Roswell. Because the UDC doesn’t explicitly list sign allowances by district for EMCs (as a named category), the table uses general sign allowances. You will need to confirm with the city for any supplemental EMC rules.
Commercial Zoning Table
| Requirement | C-X (Commercial Mixed) | OI (Office/Institutional) |
|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes (subject to §10.3) | ✅ Yes (subject to §10.3) |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Monument, Projecting | Wall, Monument |
| Maximum number of EMCs | See zoning + §10.3 | See zoning + §10.3 |
| Maximum area (wall-mounted) | As per §10.3 signage tables | As per §10.3 |
| Maximum height | As per §10.3 | As per §10.3 |
| Static illumination allowed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Animated signs | Subject to city interpretation (check if allowed under §10.3) | Subject to city interpretation |
| Mechanical motion | Subject to city interpretation | Subject to city interpretation |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌ No (unless city issues allow) | ❌ No (unless city issues allow) |
| Right-of-way projection | Requires city permit and complies with §10.3 setback/projection rules | Requires city permit and complies with §10.3 |
| Setback requirement | As per §10.3 and zoning district | As per §10.3 and zoning district |
Important: Because the UDC sets the sign standard through §10.3, any specific limitations on EMCs (such as minimum hold time, brightness, change interval, digital content limitations) likely reside in administrative rules or permit review practice rather than the text of the ordinance. It is therefore essential to engage with city staff to verify those details.
Permit Filing Requirements
For installing an EMC in Roswell, you’ll need to follow the sign permit process. Here are the steps and what you should check:
-
Sign Permit Application – Fill out the city’s sign permit form (available through the Roswell Community Development/Planning & Zoning website).
-
Electrical Permit – Because EMCs incorporate electronic/LED components, an electrical permit will typically be required (for wiring, power supply, etc.).
-
Plan submittal – Provide scaled drawings of the sign, electrical schematic, illumination levels (especially for LED panels), structural attachment details if wall or projecting, foundation (if monument), and photometric data if required.
-
Permit fees – The city will charge a permit fee based on valuation or sign size; verify the current fee schedule with Roswell.
-
Review timeline – Ask the Planning & Zoning Division how long reviews typically take for EMC signage (e.g., 2–4 weeks).
-
City contact – Roswell Community Development: 38 Hill St., Suite G-30, Roswell, GA 30075; Phone: 770-817-6720 (verify current).
-
Note for users – Because EMCs may involve dynamic content, the city may require additional criteria (e.g., brightness limits at night, hold time for messages, no video/animation beyond a certain threshold, prohibition on off-premise advertising if not allowed). Ask these during the application stage.
Local Project Examples (Optional)
If you have examples of EMC installations in Roswell, Atlanta metro area or Fulton County, you can showcase them here. For example: a retail center in Roswell that installed a LED display board at the monument sign entry under the C-X zoning district; include location, project size, sign type, and photo.
Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim)
Below is a key excerpt from the Roswell UDC:
Article 10 – Site Development, Design & Signage
Section 10.3 – Signs“… Signs in zoning districts are subject to the provisions of this Section. All signs shall comply with the standards herein and any other applicable provisions of the Unified Development Code. No sign shall be erected, relocated, reconstructed, altered (except as provided in this Section) or maintained unless a sign permit has been issued unless otherwise exempted…” (Section 10.3 A)
You should include any tables under §10.3 (for permitted sign types, maximum areas, heights, etc.), including amendments and notes as published in the code library.
External References
🗺️ Roswell Zoning & GIS Map
📘 Roswell Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal