Are LED Signs Allowed in Royston, Franklin County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes.
Electronic Message Board (EMC) signs are allowed in certain zoning districts within the City of Royston, subject to strict regulations on placement, brightness, and operation.
Permitted Locations:
According to Section 54-8 of the Royston Code of Ordinances, EMC signs are permitted only in the following zoning districts:
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CBD (Central Business District)
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NS (Neighborhood Shopping)
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M-I (Restricted Industrial District)
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M-II (Heavy Industrial District)
Ordinance Excerpt:
“Electronic message boards are permitted only in the locations described in this section and only after site plan approval from the director of planning and development.”
– Section 54-8(a), City of Royston Code of Ordinances
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Royston Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Royston Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | CBD, NS, M-I, M-II |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Monument, Freestanding, Stanchion, or Window (only) |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in ROW | ❌ No |
| Minimum setback required | 10 ft from right-of-way or curb (Section 54-6.A.1) |
| Brightness limits | Max 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light; automatic dimming required |
| Message duration | Minimum 10 seconds per display |
| Prohibited effects | Animation, flashing, blinking, and video |
| Operating hours (residential areas) | Must turn off between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. |
| Variance / appeal process | Appeals go to the Zoning Board of Appeals under §54-9(C) |
Zoning District Overview
Royston regulates EMCs and other sign types through its zoning framework, which distinguishes between commercial, industrial, and residential districts.
Zoning districts allowing EMCs:
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CBD – Central Business District
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NS – Neighborhood Shopping
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M-I – Restricted Industrial District
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M-II – Heavy Industrial District
Prohibited zones: All other districts, including residential.
Special exception: Churches, schools, and nonprofit or governmental buildings in residential zones may install EMCs under strict conditions — including 150 ft setbacks from dwellings and time-of-day restrictions.
Zoning-Specific Standards
| Requirement | CBD / NS | M-I / M-II |
|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Monument, Freestanding, Window | Monument, Freestanding, Stanchion |
| EMC area limit | Up to 50% of total sign area | Up to 50% of total sign area |
| Setback | 10 ft from ROW (min.) | 10–15 ft from ROW depending on height |
| Max height (monument) | ≤10 ft | ≤15 ft |
| Brightness / light control | ≤0.3 foot-candles above ambient; automatic dimming required | Same |
| Animation / motion | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| Hours of operation (if near residences) | 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. | 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. |
| Off-premise advertising | Prohibited | Prohibited |
Permit Filing Requirements
All EMC signs require site plan approval and a sign permit from the City Marshal Department before installation.
Permit Process Summary (Section 54-9):
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Must comply with all city ordinances and codes.
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Plans must show structural and electrical details, dimensions, and location.
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Drawings for signs over 50 sq. ft. or 12 ft. high must be designed by a Georgia-licensed professional engineer.
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Electrical work must comply with NFPA National Electrical Code and be completed by a licensed electrician.
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The City Marshal reviews permit applications within 15 working days.
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Appeals go to the Zoning Board of Appeals within 30 days of denial.
Permit Fees:
Set by the Mayor and Council (contact the City Marshal Department for current rates).
Work started without a permit incurs a fee equal to three times the standard rate.
Local Project Example (Optional Placeholder)
Example content if you wish to include your company’s work:
LED Sign City recently installed a 3×8 EMC for a local church in Royston’s NS zoning district. The sign complied with the 150 ft residential setback and included an automatic dimmer. The project was approved within two weeks under the city’s permit process.
Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim Excerpt)
City of Royston Code of Ordinances – Chapter 54, Section 54-8: Electronic Message Boards
“Electronic message boards are permitted only in the locations described in this section and only after site plan approval from the director of planning and development…
Electronic messaging signs are permitted in the following zoning districts: CBD Central Business District, NS Neighborhood Shopping, M-I Restricted Industrial District, M-II Heavy Industrial District…
Electronic messaging may be an element of a monument, freestanding, stanchion, or window sign (only) but shall not exceed 50 percent of the allowable sign area…
Animation, flashing, blinking, and video images are prohibited…
The maximum luminance produced by the sign shall not exceed three-tenths foot-candles greater than the ambient light level…
Automatic dimming capability shall adjust the sign’s illumination to the ambient light at all times of the day or night.”
Source: City of Royston Code of Ordinances – Chapter 54 (Signs)
External References
🗺️ Royston Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Royston Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal