Are LED Signs Allowed in Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
❌ No. EMC signs are explicitly prohibited within the City of Stone Mountain.
The Stone Mountain Code of Ordinances defines prohibited signs in Section 23-76, which includes "signs with moving parts, flashing lights, or animated signs."
Official Ordinance Text (§23-76): "The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts: ... (4) Signs with moving parts, flashing lights, or animated signs."
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Stone Mountain Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Stone Mountain Zoning & Parcel View
There is no variance process described in the sign ordinance that would allow for a prohibited sign type like an EMC.
EMC Sign Summary Table
Since EMCs are prohibited, a summary of allowances and restrictions is not applicable.
Zoning District Overview
While EMCs are prohibited in all districts, understanding Stone Mountain's zoning is still relevant for other sign types. The city contains various zoning districts, including residential (R-1, R-2), commercial (C-1, C-2), and industrial (M-1, M-2).
Link to Official Zoning Map:
You can view the official zoning designations for specific properties using the DeKalb County GIS portal, as the City of Stone Mountain is located within the county.
Ordinance Statement on Prohibited Signs
The code is clear and unambiguous in its prohibition. The relevant section is quoted below.
Direct Excerpt from §23-76:
"(4) Signs with moving parts, flashing lights, or animated signs."
This language categorically bans the technology fundamental to EMC signs, which use electronic means to create changing messages, a form of animation.
Permit Filing Requirements (For Other Sign Types)
For permitted sign types in Stone Mountain, a permit is required. Since EMCs are prohibited, an application for one would be rejected.
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Required Forms: Sign Permit Application (obtained from the city).
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Permit Fee: Fees are typically based on the sign's area or valuation. Contact the city for the current fee schedule.
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Official Contact: For questions about permitted signs, contact the City of Stone Mountain's permitting or planning department.
Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim)
The most relevant sections of the Stone Mountain sign code are provided below.
§23-76. - Prohibited signs.
The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts:
(1) Signs which by reason of size, location, movement, content, coloring, or manner of illumination obstruct the vision of drivers, either directly or by reflection, or interfere with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, device or signal.
(2) Signs which make use of the words "STOP," "GO SLOW," "CAUTION," "DANGER," "WARNING," or similar words, phrases, lights, or characters in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.
(3) Inflatable signs and tethered balloons.
(4) Signs with moving parts, flashing lights, or animated signs.
(5) Signs on public property, public right-of-way, or attached to utility poles.
External References
🗺️ Stone Mountain Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Stone Mountain Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal