# Sign Regulations in Jonesboro, Georgia

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Jonesboro, Georgia (GA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/georgia/jonesboro
- **Data last verified:** 2025-07-29
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/ga/jonesboro/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH86ZO_ARTXVISI)

## At a glance

Jonesboro, Georgia regulates 29 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Ground Sign (Subdivision Entrance)s in the R-2 single family residential district, R-4 single family residential district, R-C cluster residential district, R-A single family attached residential, R-M multifamily residential district zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 35 sq ft per face, with a 10 ft minimum from public right-of-way setback (Sec. Sec. 86-489(d)(3), Sec. 86-493(v)). Most commercial signs in Jonesboro require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (3 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| R-2 single family residential district, R-4 single family residential district, R-C cluster residential district, R-A single family attached residential, R-M multifamily residential district | 7 | 48 in for post | 36 sq in | — |
| H-1 historic district, H-2 historic district, Historic Residential Overlay | 9 | 4 ft | 25% of window area | — |
| MX mixed use district, O-I office and institutional district, C-1 neighborhood commercial district, C-2 highway commercial district, M-1 light industrial district, Tara Boulevard Overlay, Assembly Overlay | 14 | 20 ft | 150 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements

### R-2 single family residential district, R-4 single family residential district, R-C cluster residential district, R-A single family attached residential, R-M multifamily residential district

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Temporary Sign (Residential Use) | 4 ft | 5 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | On lot in residential zoning district | — | Sec. 86-488(4)(b) |
| Temporary Sign (For Sale/Rent) | 6 ft | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | On lot during period listed "for sale" or "for rent" | — | Sec. 86-488(4)(d) |
| Standard Informational Sign (Residential Use) | — | 3 sq ft per sign | — | — | 3 per lot; no limit during election periods | On lot; not in public right-of-way or easement | — | Sec. 86-488(4)(f) |
| Non-seasonal Flag (Residential Use) | — | — | — | — | 3 per lot | On lot; not in public rights-of-way | — | Sec. 86-488(2) |
| Building Identification Sign | 48 in for post | 36 sq in | 4 in for post | — | 1 per building/unit/mailbox/post | Front of every building, each side of mailbox, or on specified post | — | Sec. 86-488(3) |
| Ground Sign (Subdivision Entrance) | 6 ft | 35 sq ft per face | — | 10 ft minimum from public right-of-way | 1 double-sided or 2 one-sided per entrance | Within the subdivision entrance on private property | — | Sec. 86-489(d)(3), Sec. 86-493(v) |
| Ground Sign (Subdivision HOA) | — | 25 sq ft | — | — | 1 per subdivision entrance | At subdivision entrance within HOA common area | — | Sec. 86-489(d)(4) |

### H-1 historic district, H-2 historic district, Historic Residential Overlay

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Historic District) | — | 10% of building face | — | — | — | Attached to building face; not above roofline | — | Sec. 86-495(3)(a,b,c,d,e), Sec. 86-495(4) |
| Canopy/Awning Sign (Historic District) | — | 20% of awning field | — | — | — | On canopy/awning over doors/windows/service areas | — | Sec. 86-495(3)(f), Sec. 86-495(4) |
| Hanging/Suspended/Projecting Sign (Historic District) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business street frontage | Projected or dropped up to 36 in from building, min. 7 ft above sidewalk, perpendicular to building face; not over driveways/alleys/parking. | — | Sec. 86-495(3)(g), Sec. 86-495(4) |
| Monument Ground Sign (Historic District) | 4 ft | — | 8 ft | 5 ft from right-of-way (corner: 10 ft); non-corner: 3 ft or 1 ft from sidewalk, or within 10 ft of bldg | — | Ground-mounted, not raised by vertical supports | — | Sec. 86-495(3)(k), Sec. 86-495(4) |
| A-frame/Sandwich Board Sign (Historic District) | — | — | — | — | 1 per business/parcels | On sidewalk or walk area (cannot obstruct routes) | — | Sec. 86-495(3)(l), Sec. 86-495(4) |
| Window Sign (Historic District) | — | 25% of window area | — | — | — | Interior of window | — | Sec. 86-495(3)(h) |
| Temporary Sign (Residential Use) | 4 ft | 5 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | On lot in residential zoning district | — | Sec. 86-488(4)(b) |
| Non-seasonal Flag (Historic District Residential Use) | — | — | — | — | 3 per lot | On lot, not in public rights-of-way | — | Sec. 86-488(2) |

### MX mixed use district, O-I office and institutional district, C-1 neighborhood commercial district, C-2 highway commercial district, M-1 light industrial district, Tara Boulevard Overlay, Assembly Overlay

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ground Sign (Single Building, Nonresidential) | 6 ft | 35 sq ft per side | — | Corner: 10 ft from ROW; Non-corner: 3 ft from ROW or 1 ft from sidewalk or curb, whichever greater; 10 ft from buildings | 1 per building | On lot; see setbacks | — | Sec. 86-490(a), Sec. 86-489(b)(1) |
| Ground Sign (Planned Center, Nonresidential) | 6 ft | 45 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 monument sign per street frontage; 1 ground sign per entrance | At entrance(s) to planned center | — | Sec. 86-489(c)(1),(2); Sec. 86-490(a) |
| Wall Sign (Single Building, Nonresidential, Single Street) | — | 150 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building/unit | On wall of building | — | Sec. 86-489(b)(1)a, Sec. 86-490(b) |
| Wall Sign (Multiple Frontage Lot, Nonresidential) | — | 150 sq ft per sign | — | — | 1 per primary frontage + 1 per secondary frontage | On primary entrance façade and other street-facing façade | — | Sec. 86-489(b)(1)b |
| Ground Sign (Subdivision/Apartment/Condo/Industrial/Commercial Complex Entrance) | 6 ft | 35 sq ft per face | — | 10 ft minimum from public right-of-way | 1 double-sided or 2 one-sided per entrance | At complex entrance on private property | — | Sec. 86-489(d)(5), Sec. 86-493(v) |
| Electronic Message Center (EMC) Sign (Ground Sign) | Same as allowed ground sign | Same as allowed ground sign (35 or 45 sq ft per side, or per Tara overlay max. 150 sq ft/250 sq ft) | — | As for ground signs | 1 per lot | On ground sign; only in MX, O-I, C-1, C-2, M-1 | — | Sec. 86-490(c) |
| Temporary Sign (Nonresidential) | 4 ft | 5 sq ft per sign | — | — | 1 per lot (<5 acres); 2 per lot (>5 acres) | On lot, not in right-of-way | — | Sec. 86-488(4)(c) |
| Ground Sign (Tara Boulevard Overlay, Nonresidential Building) | 20 ft | 150 sq ft per face (single building); 250 sq ft per face (planned center) | — | Min 10 ft, Max 100 ft from right-of-way | 1 per building/center | Within 10-100 ft of arterial right-of-way | — | Sec. 86-489(d)(8) |

## Prohibited signs in Jonesboro

- Air and gas filled devices, including 'air dancers' and helium inflatables, are prohibited.
- Awning and canopy signs are prohibited, except as authorized in section 86-495.
- Banners are prohibited, except as authorized in section 86-494.
- Bench signs are prohibited.
- Flashing signs, including string lights adorning or framing windows, doors, and other exterior features of structures, are prohibited.
- Mobile signs or trailer signs are prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited, but not parapets or the steep portion of mansards utilized for sign displays.
- A-frame signs are prohibited, except as authorized in section 86-495.
- Signs on a public right-of-way or on city property are prohibited.
- Signs that due to color, shape, size, height, lighting, location, and/or position appear to be in imitation of or may be confused by motorists or pedestrians for an official traffic control device or signal are prohibited.
- Signs that due to color, shape, lighting, etc., appear to be in imitation of or may be confused by motorists or pedestrians for an official emergency warning device or signal are prohibited.
- Signs that impede the view of an official traffic control device or signal are prohibited.
- Signs which emit or utilize in any manner any sound capable of being detected on any public right-of-way by an individual with normal hearing are prohibited.
- Signs affixed to utility poles, trees, street markers, and fence posts or placed on any curb, sidewalk, fence, hydrant, bridge or other surface located on public property or over or across any public street are prohibited.
- Signs that contain exposed neon or neon accents, including 'back glows,' are prohibited.
- Signs that are erected, located, or maintained in such a manner as to interfere with safe and free ingress or egress of any door, window, emergency exit, or fire escape are prohibited.
- Spectacular signs, including pennants, streamers, and including string lights adorning or framing windows, doors, and other exterior features of structures on a property, are prohibited.
- Swinging or projecting signs are prohibited, except as authorized in sections 86-489(c) and 86-495.
- Hanging or suspended signs are prohibited, except as authorized in sections 86-489(c) and 86-495.
- Signs which obstruct sight of motorists or pedestrians so as to create safety hazards for motorists or pedestrians and which do not meet applicable GDOT sight standards are prohibited.
- Vehicle signs with a total sign area in excess of ten square feet per vehicle, and in excess of six square feet per side, and either (a) on a vehicle that is parked on a nonresidential lot and not being used in connection with a business, or (b) on a 'junk' or inoperable vehicle parked on a lot but still being used for advertising purposes, are prohibited.
- Human signs are prohibited.
- Feather flags and the like are prohibited.
- Signs displaying any statement, word, character, or illustration of an obscene nature are prohibited.

## Signs exempt from permit in Jonesboro

- Window signs that do not exceed 25 percent of the total window area exposed to public view, except as limited by section 86-495.
- Non-seasonal flags: In non-residential zoning districts, each lot less than five acres is allowed a maximum of three non-seasonal flags, and each lot greater than five acres is allowed a maximum of six. In residential districts, each lot is allowed up to three.
- Seasonal flags for recognized holiday and cultural observance decorations may be on display for not more than a week before and until a week after a recognized public holiday or observance; they are not allowed in any public right-of-way.
- Each lot is entitled to one sign less than 36 square inches in area, which must be placed either on the front of every building, on each side of a USPS mailbox, or on one post not exceeding 48 inches in height and four inches in width (not in the public right-of-way).
- Temporary signs meeting the following criteria are exempt: (a) For each lot under active building permit, one sign no more than 12 square feet in area and six feet in height, not in a public right-of-way. (b) For each residential lot, one temporary sign no more than five square feet in area and four feet in height, not in a public right-of-way. (c) For non-residential lots under five acres, one temporary sign no more than five square feet and four feet in height, not in a public right-of-way; for lots over five acres, two such signs. (d) For each lot listed 'for sale' or 'for rent', one temporary sign not more than 12 square feet and six feet in height, not in a public right-of-way. (e) For each lot, additional temporary signs not to exceed a total of 32 square feet and four in number, at any one time, not in a public right-of-way, and must be removed within 90 days. (f) Standard informational signs: No more than three at a time per lot, not exceeding three square feet, supported by braces or uprights placed into the ground. During each period starting 45 days before to five days after an election or referendum, there is no limit per lot. Standard informational signs may not be located in public rights-of-way or easements unless specifically authorized by the city. (g) Mass transit graphics painted or mounted on legally licensed vehicles. Signs meeting these criteria are exempt from permit requirements; all temporary signs in the public right-of-way or easement may be confiscated.
- Any sign erected under the above exemption is not counted toward overall signage allowed per lot.
- Signs which are specifically not considered as 'signs' under Sec. 86-477, including: architectural features (excluding lettering or moving parts), legal use of fireworks, candles, or artificial lighting not otherwise regulated, graphic images visible only from above, gravestones and grave markers, holiday or cultural observance decorations (on display not more than 60 days per year per parcel or use), interior signs entirely within a building and not externally visible, manufacturers' marks on products, news racks and newsstands, items of personal apparel or adornment (not including human signs), decals and insignias on vehicles, vending machines displaying only product information, and symbols embedded in architecture.
- Replacement of existing panels within an approved existing sign framework (with an approved permit), provided the replacement panels do not exceed the size of the existing framework, are of identical or superior material, and otherwise conform—such replacements do not require design review commission or historic preservation commission review.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Except where specifically excluded, it is unlawful to post, display, change, alter, erect, reconstruct, replace, or reset a sign within city limits without first obtaining authorization to erect the sign and a permit as prescribed.
- The application for authorization to erect a sign must include one accurate scaled drawing of the sign plans, specifications, type, color, and method of construction and attachment, and (for ground signs) a site drawing showing driveways, structures, existing and proposed signs, and limiting site features.
- For signs located on property with frontage on a GDOT (Georgia Department of Transportation) road, a separate submittal must be made to GDOT, and city approval may not be granted without GDOT approval.
- All applicable sign plans must be submitted to the design review commission and, if within a historic district, also to the historic preservation commission, prior to approval and permit issuance.
- No final sign permit authorization will be issued prior to any required approval recommendations from the design review commission and historic preservation commission (for properties in historic districts), subject to notice and public hearing requirements as set forth in O.C.G.A. § 36-66-4(g), and GDOT approval as applicable.
- Within the Historic District (H-1, H-2, and nonresidential historic residential overlay), any sign must have an application for a certificate of appropriateness as to exterior features and signage reviewed and approved by both the historic preservation commission and design review commission, prior to erection, alteration, restoration, or movement.
- All mural signs must apply for a sign permit and are subject to pre-approval by the design review commission.
- Variances to sign ordinance requirements must be requested on forms provided by the zoning administrator, and are reviewed by the mayor and council in accordance with Zoning Code Article XI.
- No change to a sign subject to a variance (location, shape, color, height, size, copy, or text) may be made unless brought into compliance and a permit is granted.
- For sign applications where a required design review commission or historic preservation commission meeting does not fit within the standard approval timeline, notice and public hearing requirements apply and 'automatic authorization' for the sign does not apply.

## Full detail

Complete sign requirements for Jonesboro, including every field PermitPal tracks for each sign type, are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Jonesboro+GA&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-jonesboro

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