# Sign Regulations in McDonough, Georgia

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

- **Jurisdiction:** McDonough, Georgia (GA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/georgia/mcdonough
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-08
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/GA/McDonough/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=CIMCRESUOR_TIT17ZO_CH17.108SICO)

## 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.

## Sign rules by zoning district (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 (sample of 3 of 9 zones)

### C-2, C-3

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | 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. | — | 17.108.080(d) |
| Projecting Sign (Primary Facade) | — | 50 sq. ft. | 10 ft. | 10' from electrical transmission lines | 1 per Primary Facade | On building. | — | 17.108.080(d) |
| Projecting Sign (Secondary Facade) | — | 50 sq. ft. | 10 ft. | 10' from electrical transmission lines | 1 per Secondary Facade | On building. | — | 17.108.080(d) |
| Wall Sign (Primary Facade) | — | 200 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per Primary Facade | On building. | — | 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 | — | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 17.108.080(d) |

### Ind., M-1, M-2

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | 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. | — | 17.108.080(e) |
| Projecting Sign (Primary Facade) | — | 50 sq. ft. | 10 ft. | 10' from electrical transmission lines | 1 per Primary Facade | On building. | — | 17.108.080(e) |
| Projecting Sign (Secondary Facade) | — | 50 sq. ft. | 10 ft. | 10' from electrical transmission lines | 1 per Secondary Facade | On building. | — | 17.108.080(e) |
| Wall Sign (Primary Facade) | — | 200 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per Primary Facade | On building. | — | 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 | — | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 17.108.080(e) |

### Historic District, C-1, O-I

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | 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 | — | — | 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 | — | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 17.108.080(f), 17.108.070(c) |
| Window Sign (Primary Facade) | — | — | — | — | 1 per window | On window of Primary Facade. | — | 17.108.080(f) |
| Awning Sign | 1 ft. | — | — | — | 2 | On valance; must be painted/installed directly. | — | 17.108.080(f), 17.108.050(e) |

## Prohibited 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.

## Signs exempt from permit 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

- 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.

## 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 9 zoning districts in McDonough — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=McDonough+GA&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-mcdonough

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