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ARTICLE 6. SIGN REGULATIONS
Sec. 6-009. Editor's note to article 6.
No sign shall be constructed, altered or maintained within the corporate limits of the city except
in conformance with the requirements of this article.
The city is both a residential and tourist community. The proper control of signs is therefore of
particular importance to both residents and visitors. The right to identify a place must be
consistent with the objectives of the community to retain its unique character and economic
advantages which rest largely on the quality of its appearance.
It is the intent of these regulations to promote public safety and welfare; and, protect private and
public property through fair and consistent enforcement of sign control.
(Ord. No. 2005-15B, § 2, 5-26-2005)
Sec. 6-010. State code adopted.
All signs that are visible from a state highway that is part of the interstate and primary highway
system must also conform with the Georgia Outdoor Advertising Law (O.C.G.A. § 32-6-70 et
seq.) and the rules and regulations of the state department of transportation. Where incidents of
conflict between the state code and this Land Development Code exist the more stringent
regulation shall apply.
(Ord. No. 2005-15B, § 3, 5-26-2005)
Sec. 6-020. Permit required.
All signs erected, and signs which are altered or repaired at a cost of 50 percent of the
replacement value unless specifically exempted by this article must be permitted and/or licensed
by the city.
(Ord. No. 2005-15B, § 4, 5-26-2005)
Sec. 6-030. Traffic safety.
No sign as regulated by this article shall be erected or continued to be displayed at the
intersection of any street or any public right-of-way in such a manner as to obstruct free and
clear vision; or at any location, by reason of the position, shape, color it may interfere with,
obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device; or which
makes use of the words, "stop," "look," "drive-in," "danger," or any other word, phrase, symbol
or character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.
(Ord. No. 2005-15B, § 5, 5-26-2005)
Sec. 6-040. Exemptions; signs not requiring a permit.
Exemptions shall not be construed as relieving the owner of such signs from the responsibility of
complying with certain applicable provisions of this Land Development Code. The exemptions
shall apply to the requirement for sign permit only, and no sign permit shall be required for the
erection of the following signs:
(A) One sign not exceeding four square feet per residential use indicating a resident's name and
street address of the premises.
(B) Traffic or other municipal signs, historic markers, legal notices not exceeding 16 square feet
in sign area, danger, and such temporary emergency or nonadvertising traffic control-guidance
signs as may be approved by the city, or mandated by state or federal law. The city and state
cannot be hindered in its right to erect signs in its public safety role.
(C) Signs not exceeding 32 square feet in sign area and used in connection with political
campaigns or a locally sponsored civic, cultural, health, safety or welfare campaign, provided
that all such signs shall be removed within seven days after the event or campaign. Such signs
shall be located a minimum of five feet off of the improved portion of the city right-of-way in
front of private property (having the owner's permission.)
(D) Names of buildings, date of erection and commemorative tablets when cut into any
masonry surface and made a permanent and integral part of the building.
(E) Memorial signs or plaques not to exceed four square feet in sign area.
(F) Bulletin boards for public, charitable, educational, or religious institutions not to exceed 15
square feet; provided, such sign is located on the premises of said institution. Such sign shall be
placed flat against the principal use structure or not less than five feet from any property line.
(G) Signs identifying the architect, engineer, developer or contractor when placed on the site
under construction, alteration, or removal not to exceed six square feet when located within or
facing residential zones and not to exceed 16 square feet when located in commercial zones. All
such signs shall be removed from the site within seven days after issuance of a certificate of
occupancy.
(H) One temporary non-illuminated real estate sign for each street frontage advertising only the
sale, lease, or rental of the premises or property upon which said sign is located. For residential
zones, such signs shall not exceed six square feet in sign area; except, where multi-use
establishments are involved then such sign may be increased in size to 16 square feet. Such signs
shall be placed no closer than five feet from the improved portion of the city right-of-way in
front of private property (having the owner's permission) or shall be attached to the principal use
structure. For commercial zones, the signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in sign area and shall
be placed no closer than ten feet from the improved portion of the city right-of-way in front of
private property (having the owner's permission) or shall be attached to the principal use
structure. All such signs shall be removed within seven days after the property has been sold or
rented.
(I) Window signs.
(J) Canopy signs.
(Ord. No. 2005-15B, § 6, 5-26-2005; Ord. of 9-28-2006(2))
Sec. 6-050. Obsolete/abandoned signs.
In the event a business does not renew its business license, the sign owner shall immediately
remove any sign, identification or advertising of said business, or any product sold thereby;
provided, however this requirement shall not apply where under the provisions of this article, an
existing conforming sign may be altered to advertise a new business or product sold thereby, and
there is evidence that a new business will be in operation on the premises within six months.
(Ord. No. 2005-15B, § 7, 5-26-2005)
Sec. 6-060. Unsafe signs.
If a sign displayed is found to be unsafe or unsecured by the inspection department staff, the
owner, lessee or property owner shall be asked to disassemble, remove or repair the sign. If in
the opinion of the code enforcement department staff, the sign constitutes an immediate peril to
persons or property and the owner cannot be contacted, the mayor and council may immediately
exercise condemnation proceedings to cause removal of said sign, and the expense thereof, shall
constitute a lien upon the property upon which said sign is located or attached. Condemnation
proceedings are listed in section 5-0106 of this Land Development Code.
(Ord. No. 2005-15B, § 8, 5-26-2005)
Sec. 6-070. Restricted signs.
The following signs are not permitted under the provisions of this article:
1. Banners unless exempted by section 6-080;
2. Portable signs and other temporary signs;
3. Flashing and/or animated signs;
4. Signs erected on or located on any street or public right-of-way, curb, curbstone, hydrant,
lamppost, trees, barricade, temporary walk, utility pole, or public fence;
5. Signs with revolving or rotating beams of light; and
6. Handbills.
(Ord. No. 2005-15A, § 1, 5-26-2005; Ord. No. 2005-15B, § 9, 5-26-2005; Ord. of 9-28-2006(2))
Sec. 6-080. Design standards.
(A) Illumination . Illumination devices, such as but not limited to floodlights or spotlights,
shall be so placed and so shielded as to prevent the rays or illumination from being cast into
neighboring dwellings and approaching vehicles. All electrically wired signs shall require an
inspection upon installation and will be monitored periodically by the city.
(B) Wind pressure . Signs shall be compliant with the International Building Code.
(C) Area and height size computations . The following principles shall control the computation
of sign area and sign height for sign restrictions in all zoning districts.
(1) Computation of area of individual signs . The area of a sign face (which is also the sign
area of a wall sign or other sign with only one face) shall be computed by means of the smallest
square, circle, rectangle, triangle, or combination thereof that will encompass the extreme limits
of the writing, representation, emblem, color, or other display, together with any material or
color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign
from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed, but not including any supporting
framework, bracing, or decorative fence or wall when such fence or wall otherwise meets these
or other ordinances or regulations and is clearly incidental to the display itself.
(2) Computation of area of multi-faced signs . The sign area for a sign with more than one face
shall be computed by adding together the area of all sign faces visible from any one point. When
two identical sign faces are placed back to back, so that both faces cannot be viewed from any
point at the same time, and when such sign faces are part of the same sign structure and are not
more than 42 inches apart, the sign area shall be computed by the measurement of one of the
faces.
(3) Computation of height . The height of the sign shall be computed as the distance from the
base of the sign at average adjacent grade to the top of the highest attached component of the
sign. Normal grade shall be construed to be the lower of: (1) existing grade prior to construction,
or (2) the newly established grade after construction, exclusive on any filling, berming,
mounding, or excavating solely for the purpose of locating the sign. In cases in which the normal
grade cannot reasonably be determined, sign height shall be computed on the assumption that the
elevation of the nearest point of the crown of a public street or the grade of the land at the
principal entrance to the principal structure on the zone lot, whichever is lower.
(D) Residential signs . For all residential uses, only the following signs are hereby allowed.
(1) All signs exempted from this article as described in section 6-040.
(2) Permanent subdivision signs at residential subdivision entrances:
a. Shall not exceed 24 square feet in area.
b. Shall not exceed one sign per roadway entrance to the subdivision.
c. Shall be limited to the name of the subdivision address and developer name or logo.
d. May be externally illuminated.
e. Must be shown on preliminary plat during subdivision review.
(E) Commercial signs . For all commercial uses, only the following signs are hereby
permitted.
(1) Wall signs .
a. Number . There shall be not more than one wall sign for each principal building except
where the building abuts two or more streets, one wall sign oriented to each abutting street shall
be permitted.
b. Area . The gross surface of a wall sign shall not exceed ten percent of the area of the
building wall, including doors and windows, to which the sign is to be affixed or 200 square feet,
whichever is smaller.
c. Height . A wall sign shall not project higher than the parapet line of the wall to which the
sign is to be affixed or 20 feet, as measured from the base of the building wall to which the sign
is to be affixed, whichever is lower.
d. Special conditions . Where a principal building is devoted to two or more permitted uses, the
operator of each such use may install a wall sign upon his/her proportionate share of the building
wall to which the sign is to be affixed. The maximum gross surface area of each such wall sign
shall be determined by calculating the proportionate share of the area of the building wall,
including doors and windows, to which the sign is to be affixed and applying such proportion to
the total permitted wall sign aggregate gross surface area for the building.
(2) Freestanding signs .
a. Number . There shall not be more than one freestanding sign for each principal building.
b. [More than one principal use.] In the event that there is more than one principal use, the
sum total for each sign shall not exceed the maximum size allowed per building.
TABLE INSET:
Class
Street
Speed Limit
(mph)
Maximum
Frotage
(feet)
Maximum Size
Area
(square feet)
Maximum
Height
(feet)
I 0--20 50 10 12
II 20--35 80--150 20 12
III 20--35 150+ 50 20
IV 36--54 150 60 25
(3) Projecting signs .
a. Number . For all principal uses occupying 125 or less linear feet of street frontage,
"projecting" signs shall be permitted one square foot of display area per sign face per linear foot
of frontage occupied by each principal use; up to a maximum sign area of 45 square feet per sign
face for each projecting principal use sign allowed. For all principal uses with building frontage
exceeding 125 linear feet, one additional foot of sign area shall be allowed for each additional
foot of building frontage occupied over 125 feet; provided, such sign shall not exceed 175 square
feet in area.
b. Projection . The outer edge of a projecting sign shall not extend more than six feet from the
building to which it is attached.
c. Height . The height of a projecting sign shall not extend above the parapet wall of the
building, and the lowest point of the projecting sign shall not be less than ten feet above the
established grade.
(4) Roof mounted sign . Roof mounted signs shall not extend above the peak of the roof or four
feet above a flat roof.
(5) Service island identification signs . Service island identification signs indicating the type of
service offered, the price of gasoline, and other relevant information or direction to persons using
the facility but containing no advertising material of any kind shall be subject to the following:
a. Type . Service island identification signs may be either wall or freestanding signs.
b. Number . There shall not be more than one service island identification sign for each service
or pump island located on the premises.
c. Area . The sign area of a service island identification sign shall not exceed 12 square feet.
d. Height . A service island identification sign shall not project higher than 15 feet.
(6) Directory sign . A directory sign may be used for places with more than one business.
a. Number . One sign shall be permitted for shopping center or office complex. No other
freestanding sign shall be permitted.
b. Size . The sign shall be permitted one-half square foot of sign area for each foot of lot
frontage provided such sign shall not exceed 250 square feet or 12 square feet per use, whichever
is greater.
(7) Temporary sign .
a. Number . One temporary sign shall be permitted per establishment.
b. Size . The sign shall be no more than 32 square feet in sign area.
c. Time . The sign shall be displayed for no more than 14 days.
d. Permit . The establishment shall notify the city prior to displaying the sign to give notice of
intent. No permit is required. Each establishment is limited to displaying a temporary sign no
more than four times a year.
e. Location . Temporary signs shall be located on the lot upon which the special, unique, or
limited activity, service product, or sale is to occur. Temporary signs located on a public right-of-
way will be subject to impoundment.
(F) Signs on vacant property in commercial zoning districts . Lots in commercial zoning
districts with no primary structure may have only one sign that complies with the following:
(1) The sign shall not exceed an area of 192 square feet.
(2) The sign shall not be located as to obstruct the visual display of any existing principal use
sign.
(3) The sign shall setback from the street right-of-way line a distance of at least 15 feet.
(4) The sign shall not exceed 25 feet in height.
(5) The sign must comply with the Coastal Marshlands Protection Act of 1970, O.C.G.A. § 12-
5-288(b)(4) which restricts the construction of structures in the marsh and the obstruction of the
marsh view by signage.
(6) The sign with a back exposed to view in whole or in part shall have the back of such sign
covered, screened, or painted to blend in with the surrounding area.
(F.1) Advertising benches .
(1) The sign area shall not exceed 12 square feet and shall be designed to a maximum of six feet
in length and two feet in width and shall be restricted to the occupant side of the sign. Reflective
or metallic paints shall not be used for any portion of the sign.
(G) Signs in neighborhood marina districts (NM) . Only one principal use sign shall be visible
from the adjacent public street. That sign shall not exceed a maximum size of 32 square feet in
area nor eight feet in any outer dimension. Any sign if illuminated shall be externally lit,
nonflashing, and containing no neon illumination. The maximum height of the sign shall not
exceed 15 feet above the average ground elevation of the base of the sign or from the structure
foundation to which it is attached. No sign shall be located closer than five feet to the property
line or street right-of-way.
(H) Signs in transitional business residential districts (TBR) . For all residential and
commercial uses, only the following signs are hereby allowed and then only if accessory and
incidental to a permitted use:
(1) Residential use signs as permitted in section 6-080(D) of this article.
(2) Commercial use signs as permitted in section 6-080(E) of this article.
(I) Signs in parks-conservation districts . There is no limit to the number or design of signs in
this district. However, before a permanent sign is placed on a lot or parcel in this district, the
applicant shall appear before mayor and council at a regularly scheduled meeting. The city shall
identify an area located near the intersection of Highway 80 and Old Highway 80 and between
the Library and Fifth Street in Memorial Park along Butler Avenue where banners advertising
special events may be located upon application to the zoning administrator. These banners shall
not exceed 32 square feet and can not be erected earlier than 15 days before an event and must be
removed within two days of completion of the event. Permits will be issued on a first come, first
served basis.
(J) Signs in environmental-conservation districts (EC) . All signs in any size, shape or form are
strictly prohibited in the environmental-conservation districts.
(K) Banners. Banners shall not exceed 32 square feet in residential zones and 160 feet in
commercial zones when used in connection with special promotions, political campaigns or a
locally sponsored civic, cultural, health, safety or special event. Banners shall be placed no
earlier than 30 days prior to the event without permission from the mayor and council and
removed within two days of the completion of the campaign, event or exhibit. No banners shall
be erected over any street, lane or highway of the city, nor shall a banner be attached to any tree
or utility pole without approval from the mayor and council. No banner shall be erected without
a permit from the zoning administrator.
(Ord. No. 1996-29, 11-14-1996; Ord. No. 1996-15, 8-8-1996; Ord. No. 2005-15B, § 10, 5-26-
2005; Ord. of 9-28-2006(2))
Sec. 6-090. Nonconforming signs.
(A) General . Any sign which by its height, area, and location does not conform to the
requirements of this article shall be termed nonconforming.
(B) Alterations to nonconforming signs . No nonconforming sign shall be structurally altered or
moved, unless brought into conformity with the requirements of this article, except that such
signs may have normal maintenance including repainting or changes in copy.
(C) Continuation and removal . All nonconforming signs that were properly permitted and
existing before the effective date of the ordinance from which this section is derived may
continue in use in accordance with the other provisions of this article.
(D) Damage . No nonconforming sign that has been damaged by more than 50 percent of the
fair market value of the sign immediately prior to damage, shall be restored, except in
conformity with the regulations of this article.
(Ord. No. 2005-15B, § 11, 5-26-2005)
Sec. 6-100. Relief from sign design requirements.
A sign may be granted relief from the strict application of the design standards for height and
area by adhering to the following requirements:
(A) Sign height . The maximum sign height may be increased by one foot for every two feet
that the entire sign is placed back from all property lines including side and rear lines.
(B) Sign area . The maximum sign area may be increased by two square feet for every one foot
that the entire sign is placed back from all property lines including side and rear lines. This does
not apply to wall or roof mounted signs.
(Ord. No. 2005-15B, § 12, 5-26-2005)
Sec. 6-110. Other permissible signs.
Notwithstanding any other provision herein to the contrary, any sign or signs which meet
requirements as to design standards, size, illumination, and location for the premises where a
sign is sought to be permitted, shall be allowable for the purpose of displaying a message.
(Ord. No. 2005-15B, § 13, 5-26-2005)
Sec. 6-115. Maritime district signs.
The following signs are not allowed in the maritime district under the provisions of this article:
(1) Banners;
(2) Flashing and/or animated signs;
(3) Signs erected on or located on any street, or public right-of-way, curb, curb stone, hydrant,
lamppost, trees, barricade, temporary walk, utility pole, or public fence;
(4) Signs with revolving or rotating beams of light; and
(5) Handbills.
Commercial signs: see sign regulations for wall signs, freestanding signs, projecting signs, roof
mounted signs, directory signs and temporary signs.
(Ord. No. 1995-17, 12-7-1995; Ord. No. 1995-17, add 11-10-1999; Manual, amended 11-10-
1999; Ord. No. 2005-15B, § 14, 5-26-2005)
Sec. 6-120. Severability and conflict.
If any section, subsection, clause or provision of this article shall be held to be invalid or
unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not effect any other
section, subsection, clause, provision or portion of this article which is not invalid or
unconstitutional. Where the provisions of this article are in conflict with other ordinances, the
most restrictive provision shall be enforced. The enactment of this severability and conflict
clause in this article shall not be construed as expressing an intent that the severability and
conflict clause contained in the overall land use plan, section 1-050, should not be applicable to
this and all other articles. The purpose of the inclusion of this particular severability clause is to
emphasize the intention of the mayor and council that in the event any particular provision of this
article is held to be invalid, then all other provisions of this article to the fullest extent possible,
remain valid and enforceable.
(Ord. No. 1996-15, 8-8-1996; Ord. No. 2005-15B, § 15, 5-26-2005)