Are LED Signs Allowed in Summerville, Chattooga County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed in Summerville, GA?
✅ Yes. EMC signs may be allowed only as attached business signs in certain commercial and industrial districts, but freestanding EMCs are not explicitly permitted under current Summerville zoning regulations.
"The City of Summerville allows attached outdoor business signs under Article 9. There is no direct provision for freestanding or electronic message center (EMC) signs, meaning they are not clearly permitted unless approved by the Building Department."
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Summerville Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Summerville Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | C-1, C-2, C-N, O-I, M (as attached business signs) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Attached (wall/building-mounted) only |
| Freestanding EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| Minimum setback required | As per district (10–40 ft depending on use) |
| Use restrictions | Only for on-premise commercial, institutional, or industrial businesses |
| Permit required | ✅ Yes — Sign Permit from Building Department |
Zoning District Overview
Summerville has several districts where attached business signs are allowed. Check with the Planning & Zoning Department to confirm compliance before installing an EMC.
| District | Allowed Signage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| C-1 Central Business | Attached on-premise business signs | Downtown retail/offices, no freestanding EMC |
| C-2 General Business | Attached outdoor business signs | Setback: 30 ft from primary streets |
| C-N Neighborhood Business | Outdoor business signs (shielded lighting) | Setback: 25–30 ft; lighting must not affect residences |
| O-I Office & Institutional | Attached outdoor business signs | Offices/clinics near residential zones |
| M Industrial | Attached business and accessory signs | Setback: 40 ft (front); height limit: 60 ft |
Permit & Review Information
Before installing any sign — especially an electronic or illuminated one — property owners or contractors must obtain a Sign Permit from the Summerville Building Inspection Department.
Permit Requirements:
-
Completed Sign/Building Permit form
-
Site plan showing sign location and setbacks
-
Electrical permit (if illuminated)
-
Contractor license (if applicable)
Minor projects may receive same-day permits, but signs and commercial construction require full review and approval.
Local Notes
Since EMC signs are not explicitly addressed in Summerville’s code, businesses should:
-
Consult the Building Inspection Office for case-by-case guidance.
-
Review future amendments to Article 9 (Signage Regulations).
-
Verify the property’s zoning through the Planning & Zoning Department before proceeding.
Local Project Example (Optional)
A local business in Summerville installed a 3×6 ft EMC attached to the front of their building. The sign was fully compliant with height, setback, and lighting restrictions, and the permit was approved within two weeks.
Since freestanding EMCs are not directly permitted, the building-mounted option was the most feasible solution.
External References
🗺️ Summerville Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Summerville Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal