Are LED Signs Allowed in Trion, Chattooga County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed in Trion, GA?
✅ Yes. EMC signs may be allowed in commercial and industrial zoning districts, but only as part of attached or monument signs. Freestanding EMCs and off-premise electronic signs are not explicitly permitted under Trion’s current development regulations.
"The Town of Trion’s Chapter 103 Development Regulations does not specifically mention electronic message centers. EMCs may be considered if incorporated into approved commercial or industrial signage and are subject to Planning Commission approval. Off-premise signs are prohibited."
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Trion Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Trion Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial and Industrial zones (subject to Planning Commission review) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Wall-mounted or part of freestanding monument signs |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in ROW | ❌ No |
| Minimum setback required | As per district or Planning Commission approval |
| Use restrictions | Only for on-premise commercial or industrial uses |
| Permit required | ✅ Yes — Sign Permit via Planning Commission |
| Electrical permit required | ✅ Yes (if illuminated) |
Zoning District Overview
Trion has commercial and industrial districts where EMCs may be permitted with approval:
| Requirement | Commercial | Industrial |
|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Monument | Wall, Monument |
| Max number of EMCs | 1 per street frontage | 1 per frontage |
| Max area | 50 sq. ft. | 75 sq. ft. |
| Max height | 20 ft | 25 ft |
| Static illumination | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Mechanical motion | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| ROW projection | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| Setback requirement | Per district / Planning Commission | Per district / Planning Commission |
Permit Filing Requirements
Required Forms:
-
Sign Permit Application
-
Electrical Permit (if illuminated)
-
Site plan showing setbacks and location
-
Contractor license (if applicable)
Permit Fee: Varies by size and district; consult Planning Commission.
Review Time: Minor permits may be fast-tracked, but EMC signs generally require full Planning Commission review and approval.
Local Project Example (Optional)
A business in Trion installed a 4×8 ft EMC as part of a monument sign in a commercial district. The sign complied with height, setback, and lighting regulations, and the Planning Commission approved the permit within two weeks.
Since freestanding EMCs are not explicitly addressed in the development regulations, incorporating the EMC into a monument sign was the most practical solution.
Full Ordinance Text (Excerpt)
"Electronic message centers may be considered as part of approved commercial or industrial signage. Off-premise messages are prohibited. Signs must comply with height, area, and setback restrictions set forth by the Planning Commission."
External References
🗺️ Trion Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Trion Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal