Sign Regulations in Cumming, Georgia
Cumming, Georgia has specific sign regulations covering 15 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Monument Sign, Wall Sign, Expression Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 7, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Cumming, Georgia
Sample Sign Requirements in Cumming
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expression Sign | 6 feet | — | Not within public right-of-way. No signs exceeding 30 inches within 10 feet of right-of-way. |
| For Sale/Lease Sign | 6 feet | 15 sq ft | Not within public right-of-way. No signs exceeding 30 inches within 10 feet of right-of-way. |
| Home Occupancy Permit Sign | 6 feet | 2 sq ft | Not within public right-of-way. No signs exceeding 30 inches within 10 feet of right-of-way. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
15
- Monument Sign
- Wall Sign
- Expression Sign
- For Sale/Lease Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
8
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Cumming
Other Cities in Georgia
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Cumming 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 Cumming, 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 Cumming, regulated sign types include Monument Sign, Wall Sign, Expression Sign, For Sale/Lease Sign, 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 Cumming 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 Cumming are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Cumming has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Cumming, Georgia Sign Rules at a Glance
Cumming, Georgia regulates 15 sign types across 8 zoning districts. For Sale/Lease Signs in the Residential zoning district (R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3) zoning district are capped at 6 feet tall and 15 sq ft, with a Not within public right-of-way. No signs exceeding 30 inches within 10 feet of right-of-way. setback (Sec. Sec. 113-548(a)(2), Sec. 113-548(b)(2)-(3)). Most commercial signs in Cumming require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Cumming, Georgia
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Cumming (8 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential zoning district (R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3) | 4 | 6 feet | 15 sq ft | — |
| Commercial and industrial zoning districts (CBD, HB, INST, NS, OCMS, OP, PSC, M-1) | 3 | 30 feet (outside GA 400 Corridor), or per corridor limits | 15 sq ft | — |
| Central business district/office professional/neighborhood shopping | 2 | 30 feet (per general commercial/industrial; see 113-549(c)) | 320 sq ft | — |
| Highway business/planned shopping center | 4 | 30 feet | 420 sq ft | — |
| Institutional/M1 restricted industrial | 3 | 30 feet (per general performance standards) | 320 sq ft | — |
| Planned unit development (PUD) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Georgia 400 Corridor | 1 | Sign shall not exceed 1340 feet above mean sea level (certified elevation required) | Up to 420 sq ft (per underlying zoning limitation for sign types, e.g., pylons); Wall/monument signs as per underlying zoning | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | As zone/type allows (see individual zoning regulations) | Up to 420 sq ft (per zone and sign type, typically pylon) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Cumming(sample of 3 of 8 zones)
Residential zoning district (R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expression Sign | 6 feet | — | — | Not within public right-of-way. No signs exceeding 30 inches within 10 feet of right-of-way. | Aggregate area of all signs per lot may not exceed 40 sq ft | On private property; Not within public right-of-way or within ten feet of right-of-way if over 30 inches high | — | Unlock | Sec. 113-548(a)(1), Sec. 113-548(b)(2)-(3) |
| For Sale/Lease Sign | 6 feet | 15 sq ft | — | Not within public right-of-way. No signs exceeding 30 inches within 10 feet of right-of-way. | Aggregate area of all signs per lot may not exceed 40 sq ft | On lot for sale/lease; Not within public right-of-way or within ten feet of right-of-way if over 30 inches high | — | Unlock | Sec. 113-548(a)(2), Sec. 113-548(b)(2)-(3) |
| Home Occupancy Permit Sign | 6 feet | 2 sq ft | — | Not within public right-of-way. No signs exceeding 30 inches within 10 feet of right-of-way. | Aggregate area of all signs per lot may not exceed 40 sq ft | On property of permitted home occupation | — | Unlock | Sec. 113-525 (definition), Sec. 113-548(a)(3), Sec. 113-548(b)(2) |
| Monument Sign (Residential Development Entrance) | 6 feet | — | — | Not within public right-of-way. No signs exceeding 30 inches within 10 feet of right-of-way. | Aggregate area of all signs per lot may not exceed 40 sq ft | At the entrance to a residential development or phase | — | Unlock | Sec. 113-548(a)(4), Sec. 113-548(b)(2)-(3), Sec. 113-530 |
Highway business/planned shopping center
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Sign | 30 feet | 320 sq ft | — | No signs within public right-of-way; no sign over 30" within 10' of right-of-way | — | On premises | — | Unlock | Sec. 113-549(b)(2)a, Sec. 113-549(c) |
| Pylon Sign | 30 feet | 420 sq ft | — | No signs within public right-of-way; no sign over 30" within 10' of right-of-way | — | On premises | — | Unlock | Sec. 113-549(b)(2)b, Sec. 113-549(c)(4) |
| Wall Sign | 30 feet (see general performance standards) | — | — | — | — | On building wall | — | Unlock | Sec. 113-549(b)(2)c, Sec. 113-525 (definition), Sec. 113-549(c) |
| Roof Sign | Not exceed 15 feet above roof | — | — | — | — | On roof, not more than 15 feet above | — | Unlock | Sec. 113-549(b)(2)d, Sec. 113-542(e) |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend Sign | — | 15 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | On private property, not on right-of-way; with property owner's consent | — | Unlock | Sec. 113-544 |
| Automated Changeable Copy Sign | As zone/type allows (see individual zoning regulations) | Up to 420 sq ft (per zone and sign type, typically pylon) | — | — | — | Anywhere pylon signs permitted, subject to replacement restrictions | — | Unlock | Sec. 113-550 |
| Temporary Banner | — | 32 sq ft per banner | — | At least 10 feet from any public right-of-way | 3 banners per lot | Attached to pedestrian lighting fixtures | — | Unlock | Sec. 113-543(c) |
| Searchlight | — | — | — | At least 10 feet from right-of-way | 4 per lot | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 113-543(d) |
PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Cumming — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 8 zones for Cumming — start freeProhibited Signs in Cumming
- Flashing signs are prohibited in all zoning districts.
- Any air- or gas-filled balloons or other similar devices are prohibited, except as specifically approved by special permit or as temporary banner signs attached to pedestrian lighting fixtures with a sign permit.
- Permanent signs made of paper, cloth, or other nondurable materials are prohibited, except as specifically approved by special permit or as temporary banner signs attached to pedestrian lighting fixtures with a sign permit.
- Multi-faced signs are prohibited.
- Portable signs are prohibited.
- Roof signs which extend in excess of 15 feet above the roof of the building to which they are attached are prohibited.
- Streamers and pennants are prohibited, except as specifically approved by special permit.
- Signs that imitate an official traffic sign or signal, including those using colored lights to appear as traffic control devices, are prohibited.
- Signs within the right-of-way, including those attached to traffic signs or telephone poles, are prohibited.
- Signs attached to trees are prohibited.
- Signs attached to courtesy benches, trashcans, and similar devices are prohibited, except for signage related to the ownership of such items.
- Stacked signs are prohibited.
- Trailer signs are prohibited.
- Signs constructed of materials that are not sufficiently durable to withstand weather and climatic events, or which may pose a threat to the public health, safety and welfare, are prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Cumming
- Flags are exempt from regulation.
- Traffic safety and traffic directional signs installed within public right-of-way, or along private streets, driveways, and in off-street parking lots (installed per city engineer requirements, city ordinance, state law, or federal law) are exempt.
- Street address numbers attached to buildings (maximum letter height 12 inches) are exempt.
- Signs erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of duty (such as public notices or safety signs) are exempt.
- Any sign not visible from a public street is exempt.
- Signs pertaining to the time a business, activity, or establishment is open, and conditions under which patrons may receive service (including credit card identification signs or stickers up to one square foot in area per lot) are exempt.
- Expression signs (i.e., signs expressing ideas not related to a particular land use, including political and public issue messages) are exempt, and no permit is required.
- Signs notifying the public that the lot or parcel upon which the sign is placed is for sale or lease, not to exceed 15 square feet in sign face area, are exempt and require no permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Cumming
- There is no explicit mention of a 'master sign plan' or 'sign plan' requirement in the general regulations.
- Permit applications must include a design and property survey showing sign location and distances, which functions as a detailed proposal for review.
- If a variance is required for a sign (e.g., for height), this request must be part of the application and will require review by the mayor and council at a public hearing.
- In Planned Unit Developments (PUD), acceptable signs must be proposed by the applicant for consideration by the mayor and council as part of the zoning approval proposal, functioning as a type of sign plan.
- Any application that cannot be administratively approved (e.g., requires variances or further determination) is bound over to the Mayor and Council for review and possible public hearing.
Source: municode municipal code