Are LED Signs Allowed in Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
✅ Yes. EMC signs are allowed in the City of Savannah within designated commercial and mixed-use zoning districts.
"Electronic message centers are permitted as part of an approved sign in commercial zoning districts, subject to limitations on size, height, illumination, and placement."
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Savannah Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Savannah Zoning & GIS Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | B-C (Community Business), B-G (General Business), B-CM (Commercial Mixed), P-RD (Planned Redevelopment) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Wall, Freestanding, Projecting |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in the public right-of-way | ❌ No |
| Minimum setback required | 10 ft from property line or as specified in district |
| Use restrictions | EMCs permitted only for commercial, institutional, or mixed-use developments |
Zoning District Overview
Savannah regulates signage through multiple commercial and mixed-use districts. Total zoning districts allowing EMCs:
-
B-C (Community Business)
-
B-G (General Business)
-
B-CM (Commercial Mixed)
-
P-RD (Planned Redevelopment)
Commercial Zoning Table
| Requirement | B-C | B-G | B-CM | P-RD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Freestanding | Wall, Freestanding | Wall, Freestanding | Wall, Freestanding |
| Maximum number of EMCs | 1 per street frontage | 1 per frontage | 1 per frontage | 1 per frontage |
| Maximum area (wall-mounted) | 50 sq. ft. | 75 sq. ft. | 50 sq. ft. | 50 sq. ft. |
| Maximum height | 25 ft | 30 ft | 25 ft | 25 ft |
| Static illumination allowed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Mechanical motion | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Right-of-way projection | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| Setback requirement | 10 ft | 10 ft | 10 ft | 10 ft |
Permit Filing Requirements
Required forms: Sign Permit Application, Electrical Permit (if illuminated)
Permit fee: Varies by size and district, typically $100–$400
Local Project Example
An EMC sign was installed at a retail center on Abercorn Street under B-G zoning. The sign adhered to height and setback requirements, and the permit was approved within 10 business days.
Full Ordinance Text
Refer to: Savannah Code of Ordinances §8-3130 through §8-3140 (Signs in Commercial Districts)
"Electronic message centers shall comply with applicable area, height, and illumination requirements. Off-premise content is prohibited."
External Reference Links
🗺️ Savannah Zoning & GIS Map
📘 Savannah Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal