Are LED Signs Allowed in Smyrna, Cobb County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes. Smyrna allows EMC signs in nonresidential zoning districts.
“Electronic signs may be utilized for and in conjunction with any sign permitted by this ordinance on nonresidential zoned property, provided that each such electronic sign shall comply with the following requirements. Electronic signs shall not be permitted in residential zoning districts.”
— Smyrna Code of Ordinances §82-15(b)
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Smyrna Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Smyrna Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Regulation |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Nonresidential (commercial and industrial) zones only |
| EMC sign types allowed | Any sign type otherwise permitted (monument, wall, freestanding) |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs in the right-of-way | ❌ Not permitted |
| Maximum display area | Limited to the maximum face area allowed under §82-15(b); no more than two EMC areas per sign |
| Minimum dwell time per message | 60 seconds |
| Transition time | Maximum of 3 seconds between messages |
| Animation or motion | Prohibited; only static images and text allowed |
| Brightness control | Must include automatic dimming sensors |
| Maximum brightness | 0.20 footcandles above ambient light (nonresidential); 0.10 footcandles if visible from residential property |
| Default / malfunction mode | Must freeze image upon malfunction and provide 24-hour contact information |
| Permit required | ✅ Yes – City of Smyrna Sign Permit |
Zoning District Overview
Smyrna’s zoning ordinance separates land use into residential, commercial, and industrial districts. EMC signs are permitted only on nonresidential zoned properties, such as commercial or industrial parcels. Residential and mixed-use districts do not permit electronic display components.
Zoning-Specific EMC Standards
| Standard | Nonresidential Districts (Commercial / Industrial) |
|---|---|
| EMC Allowed | ✅ Yes |
| Applicable Sign Types | Monument, Wall, or Freestanding (permitted types only) |
| Maximum EMC Areas | 2 per sign |
| Display Area | Must not exceed maximum sign face area permitted in §82-15(b) |
| Animation or Flashing | ❌Not allowed |
| Static Display Duration | ≥ 60 seconds per message |
| Transition Duration | ≤ 3 seconds |
| Brightness Limitation | ≤ 0.20 footcandles over ambient (≤ 0.10 fc if visible from residential) |
| Light Sensor Requirement | Automatic brightness control required |
| Default Mechanism | Must freeze image or turn off display upon malfunction |
| Contact Requirement | 24-hour emergency contact required for sign operator |
Permit Filing Requirements
To install or modify an EMC sign in Smyrna, applicants must obtain a Sign Permit from the City’s Community Development Department.
Typical Requirements:
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Completed Sign Permit Application
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Site plan showing placement and setbacks
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Structural and electrical drawings with engineer’s seal
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Manufacturer’s brightness and safety specifications
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Proof of automatic dimming capability
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24-hour emergency contact for malfunction response
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Payment of applicable permit and inspection fees
(Note: Permit fees vary based on sign size and complexity; applicants should confirm current rates with the city’s permitting office.)
Local Project Example
Example Project:
A local automotive business in Smyrna installed a monument-style EMC to display service promotions and time/temperature information. The display complied with the city’s brightness and duration limits and was approved under a commercial zoning classification. The project was completed in partnership with a licensed sign contractor and permitted within 15 business days.
Full Ordinance Text (Excerpt)
Electronic Signs (§82-15(b))
Permitted only in nonresidential zoning districts.
Maximum of two electronic display areas per sign.
Static messages only; no animation, flashing, or movement.
Each message must remain for a minimum of 60 seconds.
Transitions may include frame effects lasting no more than 3 seconds.
Signs must include automatic brightness control sensors.
Maximum brightness: 0.20 footcandles above ambient (0.10 fc if visible from residential).
Must freeze or turn off upon malfunction.
24-hour contact required for maintenance and emergency shutdown.
City may request independent certification of brightness compliance upon complaint.
External References
🗺️ Smyrna Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Smyrna Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal