Are LED Signs Allowed in Sandy Springs, Fulton County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
❌ No. The Code does not clearly permit EMC (Electronic Message Center) signs as a standard signage category.
For example:
“Signs may only be placed on private property. … Signs are prohibited in the right‐of‐way (ROW) …”
The Code requires each sign to conform to Section 8.4.4 (exemptions) or Section 8.4.3 (prohibitions) for sign permits.
There is no express provision in Division 8.4 that states “EMC signs permitted subject to …” in the publicly available text.
Variance/Conditional Use:
Because the Code does not clearly include EMCs, if an applicant wishes to install one, they should inquire whether the sign falls under “changeable copy” or “digital display” signage, and whether the city will treat it as a special sign requiring additional review or variance. The Code does mention that signs must comply with the technical manual and must be placed on private property.
It would be wise to contact the city’s Planning/Community Development Department for clarification and to ask whether the director may approve an “LED changeable copy sign” as an upgrade or special case (cf. earlier amendment allowing relocation of oversized signs and upgrading to LED changeable copy).
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Sandy Springs Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Sandy Springs Zoning & GIS Map
EMC Sign Summary Table (Only if EMCs are allowed)
Since EMC signs are not clearly permitted, a summary table for allowed EMCs is not applicable.
Zoning District Overview
The City’s Development Code regulates signs by zoning district and sign type. The zoning map and code went into effect September 15 2017.
Signage regulations are within Division 8.4 of Article 8 (Site Development).
Note: The code does not list exactly which commercial/industrial zoning districts allow EMCs, since EMCs are not explicitly mentioned. Sign types appear regulated across all zones with permit requirements, setbacks, area limits and prohibitions (e.g., public right‐of‐way).
Zoning-Specific Standards
Because EMCs are not specifically defined in the Code, we cannot provide a specific table for “EMC allowed in district X / district Y”. However we can summaries generic sign standards drawn from the Code.
Sign Standards Overview (generic sign types):
| Requirement | City of Sandy Springs (excerpt) |
|---|---|
| Signs allowed only on private property | “Signs may only be placed on private property… Signs are prohibited in the right‐of‐way (ROW) and on street corners, sidewalks, medians, utility poles, etc.” |
| Permit required for permanent signs | “If a proposed sign is not specifically exempted … each individual sign on a property requires a separate Sign Permit Application.” |
| Temporary banner signs regulations | “Banners on New Buildings … allowed one time for a period not to exceed 6 months … must be affixed to the building” etc. |
| Sign area/maximum size | Referenced in Section 8.4.9 – sign area allocations per frontage/building. |
Because EMCs are not separately addressed, each case would require review under the general sign provisions: permit, site plan, setbacks, materials, illumination type, private property only, no right‐of‐way placement.
Permit Filing Requirements
For signage in Sandy Springs:
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Obtain a Sign Permit Application (each individual sign requires separate permit) via the City’s “Build Sandy Springs” portal.
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Submit construction drawings: site plan showing property boundaries, road names, building/parking layout, sign setbacks from ROW or property line.
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For wall‐mounted signs: building elevations with dimensions.
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Indicate sign materials, colors, type of illumination (direct or indirect).
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Signs located on private property only; prohibited in ROW or on public sidewalks/medians.
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Temporary vs permanent signage have different requirements (e.g., banners one time up to six months).
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The permit fee information is available on the city’s portal; although the Code doesn’t publish a fixed price for all sign types. The applicant should check the latest fee schedule.
Recommendation: If you’re considering an EMC sign (digital/changeable copy), talk with the community development department early—provide full drawings, identify illumination, screen/brightness controls, hours of operation, content (static vs moving). Confirm whether the sign qualifies as “changeable copy” or “digital display” and whether it triggers special conditions or variance.
Local Project Examples (Optional)
At this time I did not locate publicly documented local projects in Sandy Springs where an EMC/digital message center sign was clearly permitted and installed under Division 8.4. Additional research (permit records or signage‐installer portfolios) may uncover such projects. If you’d like, I can check for “LED changeable copy” sign installs in Sandy Springs and include 1-2 examples.
Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim)
Below is an excerpt of relevant portions from Division 8.4 Signs, from the Development Code:
Section 8.4.3 Prohibited signs
“All signs shall be permanently affixed to the ground, or to a building, or to some other structure approved by the director. Signs may only be placed on private property. Signs are prohibited in the right‐of‐way (ROW) and on street corners, sidewalks, medians, utility poles, etc.”Section 8.4.4 Exempted signs
“Except as otherwise specifically required in this Division 8.4, no permit is required for the types of signs listed in this section but the signs shall still comply with the applicable provisions of this Division.”(You would include full tables from Section 8.4.9 for sign area allocations, maximum size definitions, etc., as applicable.)
Link to official version: Development Code – Article 8, Site Development – Division 8.4 Signs.
External References
🗺️ Sandy Springs Zoning & GIS Map
📘 Sandy Springs Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal