Are LED Signs Allowed in White, Bartow County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning

EMC Sign Allowed?

❌ No. EMC signs are not allowed in the City of White.

"No sign which incorporates electronic, digital, or scrolling message content shall be permitted within the city limits."

View Official Ordinance (PDF):

🔗 Full Ordinance – City of White Sign Code

🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of White Zoning & GIS Map

Variance or Appeals Process:
There is no variance, conditional use, or appeals process available for EMC signs. Any request to install an EMC would be automatically denied under the current city code.

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Ordinance Statement (Direct Excerpt)

"No sign which incorporates electronic, digital, or scrolling message content shall be permitted within the city limits."

This language makes it clear that EMCs cannot be installed anywhere within the city, regardless of zoning classification.

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Zoning District Overview

White's zoning framework regulates all signage through a combination of residential, commercial, industrial, and civic districts. Each district has its own rules for the type, size, and placement of traditional signs. While conventional signage is allowed in certain districts, EMCs are explicitly prohibited in every zoning district.

District Types Include:

• Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, etc.)

• Commercial Districts (C-1, C-2)

• Industrial Districts (I-1, I-2)

• Civic/Institutional Districts

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Traditional Signage Overview

While EMCs are prohibited, White allows traditional signage under specific conditions:

These traditional signs are subject to zoning compliance, permitting requirements, and design standards outlined in the ordinance.

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Permit Filing Requirements

For those installing traditional signage, the following applies:

• Required forms: Sign Permit Application, Zoning Approval Form

• Permit fees: $50 per sign

• Submission: All applications must be reviewed and approved by the White Planning & Zoning Department prior to installation

• Processing time: Typically 1–3 weeks, depending on application completeness

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Enforcement and Compliance

White strictly enforces sign regulations. Noncompliant signage, including any attempt to install an EMC, may result in:

• Stop-work orders

• Fines or penalties

• Required removal at the property owner's expense

Property owners are advised to consult the ordinance and obtain all required permits before installing any sign.

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Local Project Examples (Traditional Signs)

While EMCs are prohibited, White has approved numerous traditional signage projects:

• Commercial storefronts: Wall and projecting signs for local businesses along Main Street.

• Churches and schools: Monument signs with static lettering and logos, compliant with setback and height rules.

• Industrial facilities: Freestanding identification signs with static illumination.

These projects demonstrate compliance with zoning, setback, and design requirements under the current ordinance.

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Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim)

The following is a direct excerpt from White’s official sign ordinance, outlining EMC and general sign rules:

"No sign which incorporates electronic, digital, or scrolling message content shall be permitted within the city limits. All other signs must comply with applicable size, height, and setback restrictions as defined for each zoning district. Violations may result in fines, removal of noncompliant signage, or other enforcement actions by the city."

Explanation:
Even though EMCs are prohibited, this section clarifies that all other sign types must strictly adhere to district-specific regulations. Property owners should review the ordinance to ensure compliance for permitted signage. Understanding these rules before submitting a permit application can prevent delays, fines, or removal orders.

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External Reference Links

🗺️ White Zoning & Parcel View
📘 White Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal