Sign Regulations in Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia has specific sign regulations covering 37 sign types across 13 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Temporary Sign, Wall Sign / Projecting Sign / Canopy Sign / Parapet Wall Sign / Suspended Sign / Marquee Sign, Freestanding Sign (Interior Lot). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: August 29, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Atlanta, Georgia
Sample Sign Requirements in Atlanta
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign | — | Varies by district regulations; if not regulated, see matrix below. | See above |
| Flag | — | 1 per lot, max area 60 sq ft | — |
| Building Signature Sign | Not above top of building | ≤5% of the wall area it is on | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for AtlantaFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
37
- Temporary Sign
- Wall Sign / Projecting Sign / Canopy Sign / Parapet Wall Sign / Suspended Sign / Marquee Sign
- Freestanding Sign (Interior Lot)
- Freestanding Sign (Corner Lot)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
13
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Atlanta
City Website1 permit application link available
Other Cities in Georgia
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Atlanta vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Atlanta, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Atlanta, regulated sign types include Temporary Sign, Wall Sign / Projecting Sign / Canopy Sign / Parapet Wall Sign / Suspended Sign / Marquee Sign, Freestanding Sign (Interior Lot), Freestanding Sign (Corner Lot), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Atlanta vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Atlanta are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Atlanta has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Atlanta, Georgia Sign Rules at a Glance
Atlanta, Georgia regulates 37 sign types across 13 zoning districts. Monument Signs in the SPI-1 Downtown District zoning district are capped at 10 ft tall, 10 ft high; 4 ft length; 2 ft width, and 4 ft length; 2 ft width wide, with a Cannot encroach required sidewalk or visibility triangle setback (Sec. Sec. 16-28A.010(12)d). Most commercial signs in Atlanta require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Atlanta, Georgia
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Atlanta (13 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 17 | ≤10 ft | Portion w/ changing tech, in shopping centers, ≤50% of face | — |
| R-1, R-2, R-2A, R-2B, R-3, R-3A, R-4, R-4A, R-4B, R-5 (Single-Family & Two-Family Residential) | 4 | 10 ft (freestanding) | 35 sq ft | — |
| R-G (Residential General), MR | 2 | 10 ft | 35 sq ft | — |
| R-LC (Residential-Limited Commercial) | 2 | 24 ft (freestanding) | 25 sq ft (up to 2 per lot) | — |
| O-I (Office-Institutional) | 2 | 24 ft (freestanding); hospital sign at university 15 ft | 30 sq ft (per street frontage; except hospital at universities, 95 sq ft) | — |
| C-1, NC (Community Business) | 5 | ≤35 ft above pavement or ground | ≤200 sq ft (max individual); ≤10% of wall; min 60 sq ft total | — |
| C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5, PD-MU, PD-OC, MRC (Commercial & Mixed Residential Commercial) | 5 | ≤35 ft above pavement or ground (PD-MU: 30 ft; if street is lower, 20 ft above) | ≤200 sq ft (individual); ≤10% wall area; min 60 sq ft total | — |
| I-1, I-2 (Light and Heavy Industrial) | 6 | ≤50 ft above ground; exception: up to 25 ft above pavement level if grade lower | ≤200 sq ft (individual); ≤10% wall area; min 60 sq ft total | — |
| SPI-1 Downtown District | 5 | Wrap/projection: not above roof, max 200 ft above ground | Wrap: 10,000 sq ft/sign, 40,000 sq ft max per building; Projection: ≤wrap sign area | — |
| SPI-12 Buckhead/Lenox Stations District | 4 | 35 ft above sidewalk (sidewalk-level); 50 ft above sidewalk (2nd/3rd-level); must not extend above roof | 200 sq ft (max individual); ≥60 sq ft total; ≤10% wall | — |
| SPI-9 Buckhead Village District | 2 | 35 ft max sidewalk level; 50 ft max above sidewalk level, never above building roof | 200 sq ft (max individual); 10% wall area or 60 sq ft combined on add'l frontages | — |
| PD-H (Planned Development-Housing) | 3 | 10 ft | 35 sq ft | — |
| PD-BP (Planned Development-Business Park) | 1 | 24 ft (freestanding) | 30 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Atlanta(sample of 3 of 13 zones)
General Regulations For All Zones
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign | — | Varies by district regulations; if not regulated, see matrix below. | — | See above | See above | Where buildings have setback >10 ft, at least 10 ft from property line; if setback <10 ft, may be on wall or between wall and street. Not within 10 ft of interior side lot line. | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-28A.007(j) |
| Flag | — | 1 per lot, max area 60 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | Flagpole on lot | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-28A.007(t) |
| Building Signature Sign | Not above top of building | ≤5% of the wall area it is on | — | — | No more than 1 per side elevation | Only on buildings 4+ stories, only for owner/principal occupant (see definition); 1 per side elevation | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-28A.007(p) |
| Signs inside a building | — | In R-G: ≤6 sq ft; R-LC/O-I: ≤25 sq ft; C-1–C-5: ≤50 sq ft. One sign per 400 ft of frontage per street. | — | — | See formula | Inside building/window/door | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-28A.007(q) |
| Temporary Construction Sign | — | R-1–R-5, PD-H: one per dwelling, ≤6 sq ft per contractor/subcontractor; Other districts: one per job site ≤16 sq ft per contractor, 6 sq ft per subcontractor. | — | — | See above | As permitted on lot/job site/fence | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-28A.007(r) |
| Neighborhood Entrance Sign | ≤10 ft | ≤35 sq ft | — | — | One per entrance | At entrance per neighborhood map | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-28A.004 |
| Institutional Sign (General) | — | ≤35 sq ft (R-1 through RG and MR residential districts only) | — | — | 1 per institutional use | On property of the institution | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-28A.007(d) |
| Institutional Sign (on residential lot) | — | ≤35 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | On premises of institutional use | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-28A.007(d) |
I-1, I-2 (Light and Heavy Industrial)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign / Projecting Sign / Canopy Sign / Parapet Wall Sign / Suspended Sign / Marquee Sign | — | ≤200 sq ft (individual); ≤10% wall area; min 60 sq ft total | — | — | Max 3 (plus 1 corner) | On building | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-28A.010(10)a,b; (11)a,b |
| Freestanding Sign (Interior Lot) | ≤35 ft | ≤100 sq ft (interior lot, max setback) | — | Varies | 1 per lot | Required front yard or buildable area | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-28A.010(10)c,e; (11)c,e |
| Freestanding Sign (Corner Lot) | ≤35 ft | ≤130 sq ft (corner lot, max setback) | — | Varies | 1 per lot | Required front yard or buildable area | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-28A.010(10)c,e; (11)c,e |
| Shopping Center Freestanding Sign | — | ≤200 sq ft per sign | — | — | 1 per frontage | As described | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-28A.010(10)d; (11)d |
| Billboard Sign | ≤50 ft above ground; exception: up to 25 ft above pavement level if grade lower | 200–672 sq ft (per definition) | — | Major distance restrictions and separation requirements | See separation rules | See detailed location/setback/distance specs in general regulations | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-28A.010(10)h; (11)h; see also 16-28A.007(b) |
| Temporary Sign | — | 50 sq ft (up to 2 per lot) | — | — | 2 per lot | Unlighted, up to 2 per lot | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-28A.007(j)(3) |
SPI-1 Downtown District
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building Signs (Wall, Projecting, Canopy, Parapet Wall, Suspended, Marquee) | 40 ft above sidewalk for sidewalk-level, 50 ft for second-level, cannot extend above building roof | 200 sq ft (max individual); 10% of appropriate wall area; 60 sq ft min combined | — | — | See above | On building per a frontage; corner establishments can orient one extra sign to the additional street | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-28A.010(12)b; l |
| Monument Sign | 10 ft | 10 ft high; 4 ft length; 2 ft width | 4 ft length; 2 ft width | Cannot encroach required sidewalk or visibility triangle | Max 1 per qualifying building; 2 if faces 2+ streets | Private property, must not encroach required sidewalk or visibility triangle | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-28A.010(12)d |
| Multi-Tenant Sign (Building with 3+ tenants) | — | 100 sq ft per sign | — | — | 1 per 3+ tenant building per street | Wall only, oriented per street | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-28A.010(12)e;k |
| Wrap/Projection Signs (Public Entertainment District Option) | Wrap/projection: not above roof, max 200 ft above ground | Wrap: 10,000 sq ft/sign, 40,000 sq ft max per building; Projection: ≤wrap sign area | — | — | Max 5 wrap signs, 3 projection signs Option | Must face and be visible from Centennial Olympic Park for projection signs; wrap may be on pedestrian bridge or buildings on specified streets. | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-28A.010(12)i,l |
| LSVD Sign (Subarea 5 Centennial Olympic Park) | 65 ft above sidewalk | 1,500 sq ft/sign | — | — | Per qualifying building | Wall or parapet wall only | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-28A.010(12)m |
PermitPal covers all 13 zoning districts in Atlanta — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 13 zones for Atlanta — start freeProhibited Signs in Atlanta
- All signs not expressly permitted under this chapter 28A are prohibited.
- No animated, flashing, or changing sign shall be located so as to obstruct or be confused with authorized traffic signals or create hazards or distractions to drivers.
- No portion of any sign shall extend above the top of the building upon which it is located.
- No sign shall be erected or maintained which obstructs any fire escape, means of egress, means of ventilation, or passage from one part of a roof to another, nor attached to a fire escape.
- No removal, destruction, topping, pruning, or cutting of any part of any tree is allowed for sign visibility without a permit from the city arborist.
- No sign shall project any closer than 18 inches from the inner curbline.
- Portable signs are only allowed in designated districts and durations; otherwise, they are prohibited.
- Roof signs and rotating signs are prohibited.
- Beacons, balloons, banners, pennants, strings of lights (unless permanently attached), and inflatable signs are prohibited, except where specifically authorized.
- Signs not constructed of permanent materials and not permanently attached (except banners, flags, temporary signs, conforming window signs) are prohibited.
- No illegal sign shall become legally non-conforming.
- No sign shall be allowed in the public right-of-way except where specifically permitted.
- Obscenity is prohibited.
- No sign shall be internally illuminated except as allowed by district regulations.
- Billboard signs are only permitted in I-1 and I-2 districts and must meet multiple separation criteria; elsewhere they are prohibited.
- Signs may not exceed specified brightness, height, and area standards.
- Signs must comply with all applicable building and electrical codes.
- Signs may not create glare or conditions that impair driver visibility or interfere with safe operation of motor vehicles.
Exempt Signs in Atlanta
- Temporary signs.
- Any sign inside a building, provided it complies with requirements of this chapter.
- Lights and decorations.
- Flags.
- Signs within public rights-of-way permitted by section 16-28A.012 (except subsection 16-28A.012(a)(5)).
- Parking lot identification signs required by other specified code sections.
- Approved historic markers (see specifications in section 16-28A.007(w)).
- Signs not visible from the public right-of-way at private universities with a physical campus over 50 acres.
- Window coverings used to shield interior construction or vacancy, subject to limitations.
- Incidental signs, historic etched signs in certain districts.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Atlanta
- A sign plan is required for the Historic Sears Roebuck & Co. Sign District. Sign permits in this district must certify compliance with the sign plan adopted and on file.
- A sign plan is required for the MET Atlanta Sign District. Permits must certify compliance with the sign plan adopted and on file.
- A Sign Plan is adopted for the Downtown Arts and Entertainment District; only applications by the designated managing entity (ADID) are accepted for additional signs permitted under district regulations per the Sign Plan.
- Master sign plans are referenced by certain overlay, entertainment, or historic districts and must be followed in addition to the chapter requirements.
- For monument signs in certain districts (SPI-1, SPI-2, Morehouse College School of Medicine Overlay), approval through a Special Administrative Permit is required before building permit issuance.
- Applications for signs in districts governed by sign plans must include owner certification that sign face, size, height, number, and location are authorized by the property owner.
- Certificate of Appropriateness from the Urban Design Commission is required prior to issuance of permits for signs in historic and landmark districts.
- Any variance for signs is strictly limited; only minor variance (height, setback, topography) may be granted; number of signs, total sign area, or allowance of unauthorized signs cannot be varied.
- Permit is required for any sign except signs expressly exempted by ordinance.
Source: municode municipal code