# Sign Regulations in Buford, Georgia

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Buford, Georgia, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Buford, Georgia (GA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/georgia/buford
- **Data last verified:** 2026-01-07
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://www.cityofbuford.com/sites/default/files/uploads/zoning-ordinance/zoning.ordinance.article.xi_.22.pdf)

## At a glance

Buford, Georgia regulates 72 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Temporary Real Estate Sign (>6 sq ft) (Non-Residential)s in the Heavy Industry District (M-2); Office-Institutional District (O-I); Public (P); Office-Business Park District (OBP); General Business District (C-2) zoning district are capped at 10 ft tall and 32 sq ft, with a ≥10 ft from right-of-way setback (Sec. Section 1112.C(1)(a); 11.17 and Section 1110.B.3; 11.12). Most commercial signs in Buford require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (6 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Agriculture-Residence District (RA-200); Single-Family Residence District (R-140, R-100); Lakeside Residence District (RL) | 11 | 10 ft | 32 sq ft copy area | — |
| Multi-Family Residence District (RM, RM-6, RM-8); Multi-Family Residence District (Duplexes) (RMD) | 6 | 10 ft | 48 sq ft | — |
| Heavy Industry District (M-2); Office-Institutional District (O-I); Public (P); Office-Business Park District (OBP); General Business District (C-2) | 24 | 12 ft | As allowed for the host sign type (up to 672 sq ft only for interstate-visible signs; otherwise per underlying sign limits) | — |
| Light Industry District (M-1) | 23 | 100 ft | As allowed for the host sign type (up to 672 sq ft only for interstate-visible signs) | — |
| Mixed Use Development | 22 | 100 ft | 672 sq ft sign/copy area | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | Any ground sign in excess of 20 ft height is prohibited except Interstate Visible Signs | Banner ≤32 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 6 zones)

### Heavy Industry District (M-2); Office-Institutional District (O-I); Public (P); Office-Business Park District (OBP); General Business District (C-2)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (>6 sq ft) (Non-Residential) | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — | ≥10 ft from right-of-way | One monument sign per road frontage | On tract of land openly and actively marketed for sale or lease | — | Section 1112.C(1)(a); 11.17 and Section 1110.B.3; 11.12 |
| Temporary Construction Sign (>32 sq ft) (Non-Residential) | 10 ft | 48 sq ft | — | ≥10 ft from right-of-way | One per lot | On development or business site | — | Section 1112.C(1)(b); 11.17 |
| Subdivision Identification Sign (Commercial/Industrial Subdivision) (0 - 5 ft setback) | 4 ft | 32 sq ft sign/copy area | — | 0–5 ft from right-of-way | Two total signs per entrance | Entrance into a platted commercial or industrial subdivision development | — | Section 1112.C(1)(c); 11.18 |
| Subdivision Identification Sign (Commercial/Industrial Subdivision) (>5 ft and <10 ft setback) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft sign/copy area | — | >5 ft and <10 ft from right-of-way | Two total signs per entrance | Entrance into a platted commercial or industrial subdivision development | — | Section 1112.C(1)(c); 11.18 |
| Subdivision Identification Sign (Commercial/Industrial Subdivision) (≥10 ft setback) | 10 ft | 32 sq ft sign/copy area | — | ≥10 ft from right-of-way | Two total signs per entrance | Entrance into a platted commercial or industrial subdivision development | — | Section 1112.C(1)(c); 11.18 |
| Freestanding Sign - Individual Lot (Up to 64 sq ft Sign Area) | 6 ft (0–5 ft setback) or 8 ft (>5 ft setback) | 64 sq ft sign area; 40 sq ft copy area | — | 0–5 ft or >5 ft from right-of-way | One monument sign per road frontage | Individual establishment on individual lot; per road frontage | — | Section 1112.C(2)(a) Size and Height/Setback Tables; 11.21 |
| Freestanding Sign - Individual Lot (Over 64 sq ft Sign Area) | 6 ft (0–5 ft setback) or 10 ft (>5 ft setback) | Up to 144 sq ft sign area (per building size); Copy area up to 96 sq ft | — | 0–5 ft or >5 ft from right-of-way | One monument sign per road frontage | Individual establishment on individual lot; per road frontage | — | Section 1112.C(2)(a) Size and Height/Setback Tables; 11.21 |
| Freestanding Sign - Planned Multi-Tenant Center | Varies by sign area and setback | Up to 192 sq ft sign area; copy area up to 112 sq ft | — | 0–5 ft; >5 and <20 ft; ≥20 ft from right-of-way | One monument sign per road frontage | Planned multi-tenant office, institutional, industrial or shopping center; per road frontage | — | Section 1112.C(3)(a); 11.22 |

### Light Industry District (M-1)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (>6 sq ft) (Non-Residential) | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — | ≥10 ft from right-of-way | One monument sign per road frontage | On tract of land openly and actively marketed for sale or lease | — | Section 1112.C(1)(a); 11.17 and Section 1110.B.3; 11.12 |
| Temporary Construction Sign (>32 sq ft) (Non-Residential) | 10 ft | 48 sq ft | — | ≥10 ft from right-of-way | One per lot | On development or business site | — | Section 1112.C(1)(b); 11.17 |
| Subdivision Identification Sign (Commercial/Industrial Subdivision) (all setback variations) | 4–10 ft per setback | 32 sq ft sign/copy area | — | 0–5 ft; >5 and <10 ft; ≥10 ft from right-of-way | Two total signs per entrance | Entrance into a platted commercial or industrial subdivision development | — | Section 1112.C(1)(c); 11.18 |
| Freestanding Sign - Individual Lot (Up to 64 sq ft Sign Area) | 6 ft (0–5 ft setback) or 8 ft (>5 ft setback) | 64 sq ft sign area; 40 sq ft copy area | — | 0–5 ft or >5 ft from right-of-way | One monument sign per road frontage | Individual establishment on individual lot; per road frontage | — | Section 1112.C(2)(a); 11.21 |
| Freestanding Sign - Individual Lot (Over 64 sq ft Sign Area) | 6 ft (0–5 ft setback) or 10 ft (>5 ft setback) | Up to 144 sq ft sign area; copy area up to 96 sq ft | — | 0–5 ft or >5 ft from right-of-way | One monument sign per road frontage | Individual establishment on individual lot; per road frontage | — | Section 1112.C(2)(a); 11.21 |
| Freestanding Sign - Planned Multi-Tenant Center | Varies by sign area and setback | Up to 192 sq ft sign area; copy area up to 112 sq ft | — | 0–5 ft; >5 and <20 ft; ≥20 ft from right-of-way | One monument sign per road frontage | Planned multi-tenant office, institutional, industrial or shopping center; per road frontage | — | Section 1112.C(3)(a); 11.22 and 11.28–11.29 |
| Industrial/Office Park Primary Entrance Sign (all setback variations) | 4–12 ft per setback | 72 sq ft sign/copy area | — | 0–5 ft; >5 and <10 ft; ≥10 ft from right-of-way | Two total monument signs per entrance | Entrance to industrial or office park | — | Section 1112.C(4)(a); 11.23 and 11.30 |
| Industrial/Office Park Secondary Freestanding Building Sign | 3 ft | 10 sq ft sign/copy area | — | 20 ft from publicly dedicated right-of-way; 0 ft from internal private streets | One monument sign per building | At each building in industrial/office park | — | Section 1112.C(4)(b); 11.23 and 11.30 |

### Mixed Use Development

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (>6 sq ft) (Mixed Use) | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — | ≥10 ft from right-of-way | One monument sign per road frontage | On tract of land openly and actively marketed for sale or lease within mixed use development | — | Section 1112.D(1)(a); 11.26 and Section 1110.B.3; 11.12 |
| Temporary Construction Sign (>32 sq ft) (Mixed Use) | 10 ft | 48 sq ft | — | ≥20 ft from right-of-way | One per lot | On development or business site within mixed use | — | Section 1112.D(1)(b); 11.26 |
| Subdivision Identification Sign (Mixed Use) (0 - 5 ft setback) | 4 ft | 32 sq ft sign/copy area | — | 0–5 ft from right-of-way | Two total signs per entrance | Entrance into a platted commercial or industrial subdivision development within mixed use | — | Section 1112.D(1)(c); 11.26 |
| Subdivision Identification Sign (Mixed Use) (>5 ft and <10 ft setback) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft sign/copy area | — | >5 ft and <10 ft from right-of-way | Two total signs per entrance | Entrance into a platted commercial or industrial subdivision development within mixed use | — | Section 1112.D(1)(c); 11.26 |
| Subdivision Identification Sign (Mixed Use) (≥10 ft setback) | 10 ft | 32 sq ft sign/copy area | — | ≥10 ft from right-of-way | Two total signs per entrance | Entrance into a platted commercial or industrial subdivision development within mixed use | — | Section 1112.D(1)(c); 11.26 |
| Interstate Visible Sign (Mixed Use; only on M-1 zoned parcel) | 100 ft | 672 sq ft sign/copy area | — | Within 100 linear ft of interstate ROW; spacing ≥1,000 ft | Not specified; spacing requirement applies | Parcel zoned M-1 directly abutting I-985 or I-85; furthermost edge of sign within 100 linear ft of interstate ROW | — | Section 1112.D(1)(e); 11.26–11.27 |
| Freestanding Sign - Individual Lot (Mixed Use) | 6 ft (0–5 ft setback); 8 ft (>5 ft) for ≤64 sf signs; 6 ft (0–5 ft); 10 ft (>5 ft) for >64 sf signs | Up to 144 sq ft sign area; copy area up to 96 sq ft | — | 0–5 ft or >5 ft from right-of-way | One monument sign per road frontage | Per road frontage within mixed use | — | Section 1112.D(2)(a); 11.27 |
| Freestanding Sign - Planned Multi-Tenant Center (Mixed Use) | Varies by sign area and setback (0–5 ft; >5 and <20 ft; ≥20 ft) | Up to 192 sq ft sign area; copy area up to 112 sq ft | — | 0–5 ft; >5 and <20 ft; ≥20 ft from right-of-way | One monument sign per road frontage | Planned multi-tenant center within mixed use; per road frontage | — | Section 1112.D(3)(a); 11.28–11.29 |

## Prohibited signs in Buford

- It is unlawful to erect, construct, enlarge, move, alter, convert, post, or display any sign except in accordance with this ordinance and, unless exempt, without a permit.
- Any sign not specifically permitted in a zoning district by this chapter is prohibited in that zoning district.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Rotating signs are prohibited.
- Animated and intensely lighted signs are prohibited, including signs animated by flashing, blinking, traveling lights, or any means not providing constant illumination.
- Variable message boards used for purposes other than traffic management are prohibited.
- Signs that purport to be, imitate, or resemble official signs, traffic signs, or signals are prohibited.
- Signs painted on or attached to any courtesy bench, trash can, or similar object on which advertising is displayed are prohibited.
- Search lights or beacons are prohibited.
- Window signs that exceed fifteen percent of the window area are prohibited.
- Wind-activated devices other than flags, banners and streamers are prohibited.
- A-frame signs, sandwich boards, sidewalk or curb signs are prohibited.
- Signs occupying a parking space other than signs designating the space as reserved for handicapped or other use are prohibited.
- Signs that by reason of size, location, or manner of illumination cast light directly on streets and roads so as to adversely affect traffic movement and safety are prohibited.
- Signs which emit audible sound, odor, or visible matter are prohibited.
- Portable signs are prohibited.
- Pylon or pole signs between 6 square feet and 200 square feet in sign or copy area are prohibited.
- Signs attached to any street signs, signs directing or controlling traffic, or poles and posts supporting such signs (except as provided for mixed use projects), or any sign attached to trees, rocks, or shrubbery are prohibited.
- Dilapidated or neglected signs are prohibited.
- Any sign exceeding 200 square feet in copy area is prohibited.
- Any ground sign in excess of 20 feet in height is prohibited except Interstate Visible Signs as allowed.
- Signs located within a public right-of-way are prohibited except street signs, traffic signs, or public interest signs.
- Trailer signs are prohibited.
- Any sign placed or erected on a property without the permission of the owner is prohibited.
- Signs rotating at greater than six revolutions per minute are prohibited.
- Directional signs (weekend or weekday) are prohibited except for residential yard sale signs located at the yard sale site.
- Signs or placards attached to or held by human beings in commercial or industrial zoning classifications are prohibited.
- Any sign on railroad right-of-way is prohibited except traffic control, safety, and public interest signs in furtherance of railroad safety and operations.
- Illumination prohibitions: no sign shall have blinking, flashing, or fluctuating lights or other devices with changing light intensity, brightness, or color; no colored lights may be used in any manner that could be confused with traffic control devices; neither direct nor reflected light from primary light sources shall create a hazard to motor vehicle operators.
- No signs shall be located on illuminated (back-lit) awnings.
- Illuminated signs may not be of such intensity or brightness that they interfere with the peace, comfort, convenience, and general welfare of residents or occupants of adjacent or nearby properties.
- Any sign or structure erected for the purpose of displaying protected noncommercial speech may not be used for a commercial message unless it complies with all requirements and has a sign permit.

## Signs exempt from permit in Buford

- Protected noncommercial speech: regulated only as to size, number, location, and other reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions in this ordinance; any sign or structure used solely for displaying protected noncommercial messages is exempt from all other aspects of this ordinance, though sign structures remain subject to building codes and other relevant laws.
- Protected noncommercial speech is permitted wherever commercial speech is permitted.
- Change in copy only of a sign or advertising device does not constitute a substantial change (no new permit triggered solely by copy change).
- Public interest signs erected by or on order of a public officer in the performance of duty (such as public notices, safety signs, traffic and street signs, memorial plaques, political signs, and the like) are exempt from permit requirements.
- Signs required by law, including street number signs, are exempt from permit requirements (must still comply with ordinance).
- Non-commercial flags are exempt from permit requirements, subject to limits: flagpole height not to exceed the allowed structure height for the zoning district or 60 feet (whichever is less); flag size proportional with hoist side not exceeding 20% of flagpole height; maximum of three flagpoles per lot.
- Real estate signs on lots or buildings that are for sale, lease, rent, or under construction are exempt from permit requirements if six square feet or less in residential areas and 32 square feet or less in commercial or industrial areas, limited to one per street frontage, and must be removed within ten days after sale/lease or construction completion.
- Signs not visible from public thoroughfares, and signs within a business, office, mall, or totally enclosed area (except window signs), are exempt from permit requirements.
- Political signs by private parties may be placed 60 days prior to an election and must be removed 10 days after the election (permit-exempt).
- Temporary advertising devices for churches are exempt from permit requirements.
- City and public school signs, banners and similar are exempt from permit requirements.
- Graduation banners on residentially zoned property are exempt from permit requirements if no more than 24 square feet, maintained in good condition, individually attached to a pole/mast/arm/structure, and displayed no more than 60 consecutive days.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- No master sign plan or comprehensive sign plan requirement is stated in the provided text for any use, district, or multi-tenant development.
- General permit requirement: except for exempt signs, a sign permit is required before posting, displaying, substantially changing, or erecting a sign.
- Permit applications must include a scaled sketch/print showing dimensions, materials, and sign location on the building or property, along with property owner consent and other details as required by the Director.
- Interstate Visible Signs require a survey and site plan of the parcel with the application.
- If a sign permit is denied, the applicant may appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals within 10 days; the Board must take final action within 60 days; further appeal is by Writ of Certiorari to the Gwinnett County Superior Court.

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 6 zoning districts in Buford — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Buford+GA&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-buford

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