Are LED Signs Allowed in Waleska, Cherokee County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes. Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs are conditionally allowed in commercial and nonresidential zoning districts within the City of Waleska — but only if they comply with all general sign, lighting, and setback regulations established in Chapter 28 – Zoning Ordinance.
“The City shall have the power to prohibit or regulate and control the erection, removal, alteration, repair, location, and maintenance of signs.”
— Waleska Code of Ordinances, Chapter 28 – Zoning Ordinance
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Waleska Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Waleska Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial and nonresidential zones (subject to permit approval) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Wall, Monument, or Freestanding (if otherwise permitted in that district) |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in ROW | ❌ No |
| Minimum setback required | As required by district regulations; typically 10 ft + from property line |
| Use restrictions | Only for on-premise business, institutional, or industrial use |
| Illumination limits | Must avoid glare, flashing, and excessive brightness |
| Permit required | ✅ Yes – Sign Permit and possible Electrical Permit |
Zoning District Overview
Waleska’s commercial and mixed-use zoning districts may permit electronic message centers as part of standard freestanding, monument, or wall signs, provided they comply with illumination, height, and area standards.
Exact requirements depend on parcel zoning classification under the city’s GIS map.
| Requirement | Commercial / Nonresidential Zones |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes (with permit) |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Monument, Freestanding |
| Max number of EMCs | 1 per street frontage (typical standard) |
| Max area | As per sign area limits for district (usually ≤ 50 sq ft) |
| Max height | As per zoning limit (typically ≤ 20 ft) |
| Static illumination | ✅ Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌ No |
| Mechanical motion | ❌ No |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌ No |
| ROW projection | ❌ Not allowed |
| Setback requirement | 10 ft + or per district standard |
Permit Filing Requirements
Required forms:
-
Sign Permit Application
-
Electrical Permit (for illuminated signs)
Permit fee:
Varies by size and zoning district — check with Waleska City Hall or the Planning & Zoning Department for the current fee schedule.
Local Project Example (Hypothetical)
A business owner on Hwy 140 proposed a 4 × 8 ft EMC monument sign for their retail storefront.
The sign complied with the 10 ft setback, remained within the height and area limits, and maintained static illumination without animation.
After plan review, the City of Waleska issued the sign permit within two weeks.
Full Ordinance Text (Excerpt)
“The City shall have the power to prohibit or regulate and control the erection, removal, alteration, repair, location, and maintenance of signs.”
(Waleska Code of Ordinances, Chapter 28 – Zoning Ordinance)
External References
🗺️ Waleska Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Waleska Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal