Sign Regulations in McDonough, Georgia
McDonough, Georgia has specific sign regulations covering 24 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Ground Sign, Entrance Sign, Subdivision 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 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for McDonough, Georgia
Sample Sign Requirements in McDonough
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign | 4 ft. | 3 sq. ft. | 5' from right-of-way; 10' from electrical transmission lines |
| Projecting Sign | — | 6 sq. ft. per side | 5' from electrical transmission lines |
| Wall Sign | — | 1 sq. ft. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for McDonoughFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
24
- Ground Sign
- Entrance Sign
- Subdivision Sign
- Projecting Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
9
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for McDonough
Other Cities in Georgia
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in McDonough 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 McDonough, 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 McDonough, regulated sign types include Ground Sign, Entrance Sign, Subdivision Sign, Projecting 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 McDonough 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 McDonough are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. McDonough has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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McDonough, Georgia Sign Rules at a Glance
McDonough, Georgia regulates 24 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Ground Signs in the C-2, C-3 zoning district are capped at 20 ft. tall, 300 sq. ft., and 15 ft. wide, with a 10' from right-of-way; 10' from electrical transmission lines; 100' from I-75 and Industrial Boulevard setback (Sec. 17.108.080(d)). Most commercial signs in McDonough require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for McDonough, Georgia
Sign Rules by Zoning District in McDonough (9 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RA-200, R-100, R-85, R-75, R-50 | 6 | 8 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | — |
| RM-75, RTD, RCD (Apartment, Townhouse, Condominium Complexes) | 3 | 8 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | — |
| RM-75, RTD, RCD (Single-family Residences) | 5 | 20 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | — |
| C-2, C-3 | 10 | 20 ft. | 300 sq. ft. | — |
| Ind., M-1, M-2 | 10 | 20 ft. | 300 sq. ft. | — |
| Historic District, C-1, O-I | 9 | 12 ft. | 200 sq. ft. | — |
| Historic Downtown Business District | 6 | 12 ft. | 200 sq. ft. (primary), 50 sq. ft. (secondary) | — |
| Interstate 75 Corridor | 1 | 70 ft. above pavement or ground | 14 ft. height x 48 ft. length per face | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in McDonough(sample of 3 of 9 zones)
C-2, C-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign | 20 ft. | 300 sq. ft. | 15 ft. | 10' from right-of-way; 10' from electrical transmission lines; 100' from I-75 and Industrial Boulevard | 3 | Must meet setback requirements. | — | Unlock | 17.108.080(d) |
| Projecting Sign (Primary Facade) | — | 50 sq. ft. | 10 ft. | 10' from electrical transmission lines | 1 per Primary Facade | On building. | — | Unlock | 17.108.080(d) |
| Projecting Sign (Secondary Facade) | — | 50 sq. ft. | 10 ft. | 10' from electrical transmission lines | 1 per Secondary Facade | On building. | — | Unlock | 17.108.080(d) |
| Wall Sign (Primary Facade) | — | 200 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per Primary Facade | On building. | — | Unlock | 17.108.080(d) |
| Temporary Sign | 4 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | 8 ft. | 10' from right-of-way; 10' from electrical transmission lines; 100' from I-75, Industrial Blvd. | 1 | — | — | Unlock | 17.108.080(d) |
| Roof Sign | 10' above eave | 200 sq. ft. | building width | 10' from electrical transmission lines | 1 per Primary Facade, 1 per Secondary Facade | On roof. | — | Unlock | 17.108.080(d), 17.108.050(b) |
| Entrance Sign | 8 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | 8 ft. | 10' from right-of-way; 10' from electrical transmission lines; 100' from I-75, Industrial Blvd. | 1 per entrance | Private property, not in right-of-way; at entrance. | — | Unlock | 17.108.080(d) |
| Subdivision Sign | 20 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | 15 ft. | 10' from right-of-way; 10' from electrical transmission lines; 100' from I-75, Industrial Blvd. | 1 | Private property, not in right-of-way. | — | Unlock | 17.108.080(d) |
Ind., M-1, M-2
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign | 20 ft. | 300 sq. ft. | 15 ft. | 10' from right-of-way; 10' from electrical transmission lines; 100' from I-75 and Industrial Boulevard | 3 | Must meet setback requirements. | — | Unlock | 17.108.080(e) |
| Projecting Sign (Primary Facade) | — | 50 sq. ft. | 10 ft. | 10' from electrical transmission lines | 1 per Primary Facade | On building. | — | Unlock | 17.108.080(e) |
| Projecting Sign (Secondary Facade) | — | 50 sq. ft. | 10 ft. | 10' from electrical transmission lines | 1 per Secondary Facade | On building. | — | Unlock | 17.108.080(e) |
| Wall Sign (Primary Facade) | — | 200 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per Primary Facade | On building. | — | Unlock | 17.108.080(e) |
| Temporary Sign | 4 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | 8 ft. | 10' from right-of-way; 10' from electrical transmission lines; 100' from I-75, Industrial Blvd. | 1 | — | — | Unlock | 17.108.080(e) |
| Roof Sign | 10' above eave | 200 sq. ft. | building width | 10' from electrical transmission lines | 1 per Primary Facade, 1 per Secondary Facade | On roof. | — | Unlock | 17.108.080(e), 17.108.050(b) |
| Entrance Sign | 8 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | 8 ft. | 10' from right-of-way; 10' from electrical transmission lines; 100' from I-75, Industrial Blvd. | 1 per entrance | Private property, not in right-of-way; at entrance. | — | Unlock | 17.108.080(e) |
| Subdivision Sign | 20 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | 15 ft. | 10' from right-of-way; 10' from electrical transmission lines; 100' from I-75, Industrial Blvd. | 1 | Private property, not in right-of-way. | — | Unlock | 17.108.080(e) |
Historic District, C-1, O-I
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign (Primary Facade) | 12 ft. | 25 sq. ft. | 6 ft. | 10' from right-of-way; 10' from electrical transmission lines | 2 per Primary Facade | — | — | Unlock | 17.108.080(f), 17.108.070(c) |
| Ground Sign (Secondary Facade) | 12 ft. | 25 sq. ft. | 6 ft. | 10' from right-of-way; 10' from electrical transmission lines | 1 per Secondary Facade | — | — | Unlock | 17.108.080(f), 17.108.070(c) |
| Projecting Sign (Primary Facade) | — | 10 sq. ft. | — | 6' from right-of-way; 6' from electrical transmission lines | 2 per Primary Facade | At least 10' above public sidewalk; no nearer curbline than 1', max 3' from wall, not over vehicular ways. | — | Unlock | 17.108.080(f), 17.108.070(c) |
| Projecting Sign (Secondary Facade) | — | 10 sq. ft. | — | 6' from right-of-way; 6' from electrical transmission lines | 1 per Secondary Facade | At least 10' above public sidewalk; no nearer curbline than 1', max 3' from wall, not over vehicular ways. | — | Unlock | 17.108.080(f), 17.108.070(c) |
| Wall Sign (Primary Facade) | Wall height | 200 sq. ft. | Wall width | — | 1 per Primary Facade | On building. | — | Unlock | 17.108.080(f), 17.108.070(c) |
| Wall Sign (Secondary Facade) | Wall height | 50 sq. ft. | Wall width | — | 1 per Secondary Facade | On building. | — | Unlock | 17.108.080(f), 17.108.070(c) |
| Window Sign (Primary Facade) | — | — | — | — | 1 per window | On window of Primary Facade. | — | Unlock | 17.108.080(f) |
| Awning Sign | 1 ft. | — | — | — | 2 | On valance; must be painted/installed directly. | — | Unlock | 17.108.080(f), 17.108.050(e) |
PermitPal covers all 9 zoning districts in McDonough — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 9 zones for McDonough — start freeProhibited Signs in McDonough
- It is unlawful to erect, repair, alter, relocate, or maintain any sign without first obtaining a permit, except for those signs exempt under 17.108.120.
- No sign may be erected, relocated, or maintained so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window, or fire escape, or be attached to any stand pipe or fire escape.
- No sign or advertising structure shall be erected at intersections in such manner as to obstruct clear vision for vehicles or be placed where it might interfere with or be confused with a traffic signal/sign/device.
- No sign shall use the words 'STOP', 'DANGER', or similar to interfere with or mislead motorists.
- No sign may be tacked, painted, posted, marked, or otherwise affixed on trees, utility poles, other similar structures, rocks, the ground, or other natural features.
- No sign shall constitute a traffic hazard.
- No sign shall be erected which simulates an official traffic control, warning sign, or public service signal.
- All signs must be constructed and maintained in accordance with the city's building codes (except that a building permit is not required for signs).
- All signs required to be permitted (except as specified) must be constructed of non-combustible material.
- Signs may not be placed on any lot which does not meet minimum requirements of the Zoning Ordinance and subdivision regulations.
- All signs must be placed on a lot, as defined by zoning/subdivision regulations.
- Aerial view signs are prohibited.
- Flashing signs are prohibited.
- Signs must not be unsafe, unstable, abandoned, or maintained in a dilapidated condition.
- No structural repairs or changes in the size or shape of a nonconforming sign are allowed except to bring the sign into compliance.
- No new sign is permitted on a lot with an existing nonconforming sign until the nonconforming sign is removed.
Exempt Signs in McDonough
- Wall signs one (1) square foot and smaller are exempt from permitting requirements.
- Stake signs located in districts zoned RA-200, R-100, R-85, R-50, R-75, RM-75, RTD, and RCD are exempt from permitting requirements.
- Projecting signs five (5) square feet and smaller in districts zoned RA-200, R-100, R-85, R-50, R-75, RM-75, RTD, and RCD are exempt from permitting requirements.
- Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings, and dates of erection when cut into masonry surfaces or constructed of bronze/other incombustible materials are exempt from permitting requirements.
- City property (all lots, buildings, structures, or property owned or operated by the City of McDonough) is exempt from all requirements of the sign code.
- Hand held signs (as defined and meeting regulations in 17.108.050(h)) are exempt from permitting requirements.
- City sponsored or operated event signs are exempt from sign regulation.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for McDonough
- In districts used for hotels and hospitality as well as any other districts where plan review and approval are required prior to development, a uniform design scheme of signs must be established for the development or each building and approved by the City. Plans for development must include detailed descriptions of all signs (size, height, location, type, colors, materials, lighting, ownership responsibility) and undergo the same review and approval process as other development aspects. All signs must be designed, erected, and maintained in accordance with an approved plan.
- In the Historic Downtown Business District, sign permit applications are reviewed by the Community Development Director for compliance with historic preservation standards.
- Upon application by a property owner of a lot zoned C-2, C-3, M-1, or M-2 of more than ten contiguous acres, the Mayor and Council may grant a variance to allow aggregate signable area to exceed 500 square feet, based on criteria including full compliance with this Article, no substantial detriment, and factors like building size, subdivision potential, and multiple tenants. Such applications are subject to consideration by the Mayor and Council.
- Directory signs are required for all buildings in the Historic District with more than one commercial tenant; such signs are not counted against total allowed signs for the building.
- All applications for sign permits must be submitted to and approved by the Community Development Department, and require scaled drawings and detailed information as listed in 17.108.030.
- Permit denials may be appealed to the Mayor and Council, who hold a hearing on the appeal.
- No building permit is required for signs, but building code compliance and sign permit is required unless specifically exempted.
Source: municode municipal code