Sign Regulations in Newnan, Georgia
Newnan, Georgia has specific sign regulations covering 37 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include A-Frame (Sandwich Board), Building Marker, Flag. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 27, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Newnan, Georgia
Sample Sign Requirements in Newnan
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-Frame (Sandwich Board) | 4 ft | 8 sq ft | All miscellaneous and temporary signs must be at least 5 ft outside any right-of-way (general rule) |
| Flag | 20 ft (vertical flagpole height) | 40 sq ft per flag | — |
| Freestanding Principal Sign | 5 ft | 16 sq ft | At least 10 ft from pavement and at least 5 ft outside ROW; 60 ft minimum from any Federal Interstate Highway; side/rear setbacks per underlying zoning for nonresidential lots |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for NewnanFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
37
- A-Frame (Sandwich Board)
- Building Marker
- Flag
- Miscellaneous Freestanding Sign (≤ 4 sq ft)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
11
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Newnan
Other Cities in Georgia
Frequently Asked Questions
In Newnan, monument signs are limited to 5 ft. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Newnan, 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 Newnan, regulated sign types include A-Frame (Sandwich Board), Building Marker, Flag, Miscellaneous Freestanding Sign (≤ 4 sq ft), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Newnan, monument signs typically require a At least 10 ft from pavement and at least 5 ft outside ROW; 60 ft minimum from any Federal Interstate Highway; side/rear setbacks per underlying zoning for nonresidential lots setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Newnan are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Newnan has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Newnan, Georgia Sign Rules at a Glance
Newnan, Georgia regulates 37 sign types across 11 zoning districts. A-Frame (Sandwich Board)s in the Low Density Office and Institutional District (OI-1), High Density Office and Institutional District (OI-2), Urban Neighborhood Commercial District (CUN), Central Business District (CBD), Planned Office and Institutional District (PDO), Planned Commercial Development District (PDC) zoning district are capped at 4 ft tall and 8 sq ft, with a ≥ 5 ft outside ROW for miscellaneous/temporary setback (Sec. Sec. 8-16 Table 8-A (A-Frame P); Sec. 8-19(a)(3)). Most commercial signs in Newnan require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Newnan, Georgia
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Newnan (11 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suburban Residential Single-Family Dwelling District - Low Density (RS-20), Suburban Residential Single-Family Dwelling District - Medium Density (RS-15), Urban Residential Single-Family Dwelling District - High Density (RU-7), Planned Development Residential (PDR) | 10 | 20 ft (vertical flagpole height) | 40 sq ft per flag | — |
| Urban Residential Dwelling District - Historical and Infill (RU-I) | 6 | 20 ft (vertical flagpole) | 40 sq ft per flag | — |
| Townhouse Residential Dwelling District (RU-2) | 17 | 20 ft pole height | 40 sq ft per flag | — |
| Residential Multiple-Family Dwelling - Lower Density District (RML), Residential Multiple-Family Dwelling - Higher Density District (RMH) | 17 | 20 ft pole height | 40 sq ft per flag | — |
| Low Density Office and Institutional District (OI-1), High Density Office and Institutional District (OI-2), Urban Neighborhood Commercial District (CUN), Central Business District (CBD), Planned Office and Institutional District (PDO), Planned Commercial Development District (PDC) | 21 | 65 ft | 400 sq ft | — |
| Commercial Shopping Center District (CCS), General Commercial District (CGN), Heavy Commercial District (CHV) | 21 | 65 ft | 400 sq ft | — |
| Light Industrial District (ILT), Heavy Industrial District (IHV) | 18 | 20 ft pole | 50 sq ft | — |
| Open Space District 1 (OSD-1), Urban Open Space and Conservation District (OSD-2), Open Space, Conservation, and Recreation District (OCR) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Quality Development Corridor Overlay District (QDC) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Building Exterior Quality Design Overlay District (BEQ) | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 9 | Residential: 4 ft; Nonres/commercial/industrial: 6 ft | Residential lot: 6 sq ft (≤4 ft high). Nonres/commercial/industrial lot: freestanding 32 sq ft (≤6 ft high); wall 6 sq ft; banners 24 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Newnan(sample of 3 of 11 zones)
Low Density Office and Institutional District (OI-1), High Density Office and Institutional District (OI-2), Urban Neighborhood Commercial District (CUN), Central Business District (CBD), Planned Office and Institutional District (PDO), Planned Commercial Development District (PDC)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-Frame (Sandwich Board) | 4 ft | 8 sq ft | — | ≥ 5 ft outside ROW for miscellaneous/temporary | 1 per property or per business in planned center/storefront | ≤ 6 ft from business entrance; in CBD: must be positioned against a building and cannot be positioned in a sidewalk or curb | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-16 Table 8-A (A-Frame P); Sec. 8-19(a)(3) |
| Banner (Temporary Event) | — | 24 sq ft | — | Meet Sec. 8-18(c) setbacks | 1 per street frontage (duration limited) | On private property | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-16 Table 8-A (Banner S); Sec. 8-12(b)(2),(d)(3),(f)(1) |
| Flag | 20 ft pole height | 40 sq ft per flag | — | — | As limited by Sec. 8-19(b)(6) | On poles; cannot extend into ROW | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-16 Table 8-A (Flag P); Sec. 8-19(b)(6) |
| Freestanding Principal Sign (Monument/Column only) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft (OI-1, OI-2, CUN, CBD, PDC) | — | At least 10 ft from pavement and 5 ft outside ROW; 60 ft from Interstate; side/rear setbacks equal to building setbacks for nonresidential lots | 1 per lot or per 200 ft (or major fraction) of street frontage, per street (corner/double-frontage lots may have separate per street) | On private property, per frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-16 Table 8-A (Freestanding Principal Sign S); Sec. 8-18(a)(1)(b), (b)(1)(b); Table 8-B (Monument/Column allowed; Pole not allowed); Table 8-B (Joint sign required for Planned Centers) |
| Miscellaneous Freestanding Sign (≤ 4 sq ft) | 3 ft within 3 ft of driveway in front setback; up to 6 ft beyond minimum building setback | Up to 4 sq ft (also ≤ 6 sq ft each within 3 ft of drive in front setback; ≤ 3 ft high) | — | Visibility clearance at driveways applies | Limits per driveway and drive-through lanes apply | Within 3 ft of driveways in front setback or beyond minimum building setback | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-16 Table 8-A (Misc. Freestanding up to 4 sf P); Sec. 8-19(a)(1)-(2) |
| Miscellaneous Freestanding Sign (> 4 sq ft, up to 32 sq ft) | 5 ft (one larger sign beyond minimum building setback) | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per principal building | Beyond minimum building setback | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-16 Table 8-A (Misc. Freestanding over 4 sf S); Sec. 8-19(a)(2)a |
| Project Entrance Sign (Nonresidential Use) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft per sign face | — | ≥ 5 ft from ROW; visibility triangle applies | 1 single or dual installation per entrance | At subdivision/park entrance(s); in sign easement; ≥ 5 ft from ROW | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-16 Table 8-A (Project Entrance S); Sec. 8-20(b)-(f); Table 8-C |
| Highway Sign (Special Exception) | 65 ft | 400 sq ft | — | As above | 1 per qualifying lot | Adjacent to a Federal Interstate Highway | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-21(a)-(d) |
Commercial Shopping Center District (CCS), General Commercial District (CGN), Heavy Commercial District (CHV)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-Frame (Sandwich Board) | 4 ft | 8 sq ft | — | ≥ 5 ft outside ROW for miscellaneous/temporary | 1 per property or per business in planned center/storefront | ≤ 6 ft from business entrance; in CBD rule not applicable here | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-16 Table 8-A (A-Frame P); Sec. 8-19(a)(3) |
| Banner (Temporary Event) | — | 24 sq ft | — | Meet Sec. 8-18(c) setbacks | 1 per street frontage (duration limited) | On private property | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-16 Table 8-A (Banner S); Sec. 8-12(b)(2),(d)(3),(f)(1) |
| Flag | 20 ft pole | 40 sq ft per flag | — | — | As limited by Sec. 8-19(b)(6) | On poles; cannot extend into ROW | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-16 Table 8-A (Flag P); Sec. 8-19(b)(6) |
| Freestanding Principal Sign (Monument/Column only) | 6 ft | 50 sq ft | — | At least 10 ft from pavement and 5 ft outside ROW; 60 ft from Interstate; side/rear setbacks equal to building setbacks for nonresidential lots | 1 per lot or per 200 ft (or major fraction) of street frontage, per street | On private property, per frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-16 Table 8-A (Freestanding Principal Sign S); Sec. 8-18(a)(1)(c), (b)(1)(b); Table 8-B (Monument/Column allowed; Pole not allowed) |
| Miscellaneous Freestanding Sign (≤ 4 sq ft) | 3 ft within 3 ft of driveway in front setback; up to 6 ft beyond minimum building setback | Up to 4 sq ft (also ≤ 6 sq ft each within 3 ft of drive in front setback; ≤ 3 ft high) | — | Visibility clearance at driveways applies | Limits per driveway and drive-through lanes apply | Within 3 ft of driveways in front setback or beyond minimum building setback | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-16 Table 8-A (Misc. Freestanding up to 4 sf P); Sec. 8-19(a)(1)-(2) |
| Miscellaneous Freestanding Sign (> 4 sq ft, up to 32 sq ft) | 5 ft (one larger sign beyond minimum building setback) | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per principal building | Beyond minimum building setback | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-16 Table 8-A (Misc. Freestanding over 4 sf S); Sec. 8-19(a)(2)a |
| Project Entrance Sign (Nonresidential Use) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft per sign face | — | ≥ 5 ft from ROW; visibility triangle applies | 1 per entrance (single or dual) | At subdivision/park entrance(s), in sign easement, ≥ 5 ft from ROW | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-16 Table 8-A (Project Entrance S); Sec. 8-20(b)-(f); Table 8-C |
| Highway Sign (Special Exception) | 65 ft | 400 sq ft | — | As above | 1 per qualifying lot | Adjacent to Federal Interstate Highway | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-21(a)-(d) |
Light Industrial District (ILT), Heavy Industrial District (IHV)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-Frame (Sandwich Board) | 4 ft | 8 sq ft | — | ≥ 5 ft outside ROW for miscellaneous/temporary | 1 per property or per business in planned center/storefront | ≤ 6 ft from business entrance | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-16 Table 8-A (A-Frame P); Sec. 8-19(a)(3) |
| Banner (Temporary Event) | — | 24 sq ft | — | Meet Sec. 8-18(c) setbacks | 1 per street frontage (duration limited) | On private property | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-16 Table 8-A (Banner S); Sec. 8-12(b)(2),(d)(3),(f)(1) |
| Directory Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 directory sign may be permitted on lots with multiple establishments (in addition to other principal signs) | Freestanding or building | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-16 Table 8-A (Directory S); Sec. 8-18(a)(3) |
| Flag | 20 ft pole | 40 sq ft per flag | — | — | As limited by Sec. 8-19(b)(6) | On poles; cannot extend into ROW | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-16 Table 8-A (Flag P); Sec. 8-19(b)(6) |
| Freestanding Principal Sign (Monument/Column only) | 6 ft | 50 sq ft | — | At least 10 ft from pavement and 5 ft outside ROW; 60 ft from Interstate; side/rear setbacks equal to building setbacks for nonresidential lots | 1 per lot or per 200 ft (or major fraction) of street frontage, per street | On private property, per frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-16 Table 8-A (Freestanding Principal Sign S); Sec. 8-18(a)(1)(c), (b)(1)(b); Table 8-B (Monument/Column allowed; Pole not allowed) |
| Miscellaneous Freestanding Sign (≤ 4 sq ft) | 3 ft within 3 ft of driveway in front setback; up to 6 ft beyond minimum building setback | Up to 4 sq ft (also ≤ 6 sq ft each within 3 ft of drive in front setback; ≤ 3 ft high) | — | Visibility clearance at driveways applies | Limits per driveway and drive-through lanes apply | Within 3 ft of driveways in front setback or beyond minimum building setback | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-16 Table 8-A (Misc. Freestanding up to 4 sf P); Sec. 8-19(a)(1)-(2) |
| Miscellaneous Freestanding Sign (> 4 sq ft, up to 32 sq ft) | 5 ft (one larger sign beyond minimum building setback) | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per principal building | Beyond minimum building setback | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-16 Table 8-A (Misc. Freestanding over 4 sf S); Sec. 8-19(a)(2)a |
| Project Entrance Sign (Nonresidential Use) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft per sign face | — | ≥ 5 ft from ROW | 1 per entrance (single or dual) | At development entrances; in sign easement; ≥ 5 ft from ROW | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-16 Table 8-A (Project Entrance S); Sec. 8-20(b)-(f); Table 8-C |
PermitPal covers all 11 zoning districts in Newnan — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 11 zones for Newnan — start freeProhibited Signs in Newnan
- All signs not expressly allowed by the ordinance or exempt from regulation are prohibited.
- Signs in the public right‑of‑way are prohibited except for specified government/utility/transit signs and qualifying projecting/under‑canopy signs; nonconforming right‑of‑way signs may be confiscated and removal costs charged to the owner.
- Signs imitating warning signals or resembling official traffic signs or emergency vehicle lighting are prohibited.
- Signs with blinking, flashing, fluctuating, or intermittent lights or beacons, and other animated signs, are prohibited.
- Signs attached to trees, utility poles or boxes; painted on rocks or other natural objects; or placed within the public street right‑of‑way are prohibited.
- Signs emitting sound audible on a public road are prohibited.
- Unprofessionally fabricated hand‑written/hand‑painted/handmade signs are prohibited (professionally hand‑painted signs are allowed).
- Signs that obstruct fire escapes, means of egress/ventilation, or roof access, or any sign attached to a fire escape, are prohibited.
- Fringe, twirling, sidewalk/curb‑type signs, balloons, streamers, pennants, portable display signs, air or gas‑filled figures, and similar temporary event signs are prohibited except where specifically authorized by the ordinance.
- Roof signs or signs projecting above the roofline are prohibited.
- Signs with obscene/indecent/immoral content, or displaying nudity/sexual conduct as defined by Georgia law, are prohibited.
- Signs that advertise or encourage illegal activity are prohibited.
- Illuminated signs projecting direct rays of light onto a different lot are prohibited.
- Searchlights or similar devices are prohibited.
- Advertising signs on benches, vending machines, trash cans, or other outdoor devices larger than incidental size are prohibited.
- Strings of lights not permanently mounted to a rigid background are prohibited.
- Inflatable signs/displays and tethered balloons, including items that mimic them, are prohibited.
- Illuminated canopy signs and illuminated projecting signs are prohibited, except canopy signage as specifically regulated for fuel canopies.
- Portable signs are prohibited except A‑frame (sandwich board) signs as allowed by the ordinance.
- Trailer signs are prohibited.
- Vehicle signs over 10 square feet are prohibited when parked within 100 feet of a street right‑of‑way for more than three consecutive hours, visible from that right‑of‑way, and not regularly used in the conduct of business (vehicles may not be used for off‑premises storage).
- No sign may be constructed or placed so as to hinder vehicles or pedestrians, block entrances/exits/windows/doors/fire escapes, use highly reflective materials that create glare, or emit light that glares/blinds or adversely affects traffic or adjacent properties.
- No message may be displayed on the structural supports of any sign.
- Wall signs may not cover wall openings or project beyond the ends or top of the wall to which they are attached.
- All signs must be placed on a zoned lot; no sign may be placed on a lot that does not meet minimum lot requirements or is not a lot of record.
Exempt Signs in Newnan
- Public notices or warnings required by federal, state, or local law are exempt from regulation.
- Signs inside a building, not attached to a window or door, and not legible from more than three feet beyond the lot line, are exempt from regulation.
- Traffic control signs on private property that meet Georgia DOT standards and contain no commercial message are exempt from regulation.
- Holiday or seasonal decorations placed as personal (noncommercial) speech by the owner or with the owner's permission are exempt from regulation.
- Address numerals on a structure or mailbox up to 5 inches in height are exempt from regulation.
- Security/alarm system signs up to 1 square foot in area are exempt from regulation.
- Permanent signs exempt from permitting: sign types listed as allowed without a permit (“P” in the city’s sign table); miscellaneous freestanding signs 4 square feet or smaller (unless building/electrical permits are required); miscellaneous building signs (unless building/electrical permits are required); flags meeting the ordinance standards (flagpoles may still require a building permit); any sign exempt under the general exemptions above.
- Temporary signs exempt from permitting: signs for the sale or lease of a building or premises; election/political campaign/referendum/ballot‑proposition signs; all other temporary signs under 16 square feet except banners and special business promotion signs.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Newnan
- Master Sign Plans (MSPs) are optional pre‑approvals for permanent signs; if submitted for a planned center, the entire development must be included.
- MSPs must show locations, dimensions, construction details, materials, and design (including landscaping) for all proposed permanent signs on the lot/development; permits for covered signs must conform to the approved MSP.
- MSP approval: conforming plans may be approved administratively by the Planning and Zoning Director; plans that exceed or modify any ordinance requirement must be approved by the Planning Commission; an applicant may appeal a Planning Commission denial to the Zoning Board of Appeals as a hardship variance.
- Upon approval and recordation, an MSP supersedes conflicting sign regulations for the subject property and is not affected by later ordinance amendments; the MSP must be recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court and copies filed with Planning and Zoning and the Building Official before sign permits are issued; the recorded MSP must be provided with any sale or lease and all tenants/owners must comply.
- Planned centers: a joint (shared) principal freestanding sign is required for planned centers in the listed office, commercial, and industrial districts.
- Highway signs: only allowed by Special Exception for lots zoned CCS, CGN, CHV, or PDC with at least 400 feet of Interstate frontage; multiple/variable message highway signs must meet changeable‑copy standards; animated highway signs are not allowed even by special exception.
- Changeable‑copy signs (multiple or variable message) on certain commercial/industrial properties that adjoin or abut residentially zoned property require approval as a special exception under the city’s procedures.
- Variances from sign regulations are limited to specific hardship situations (e.g., spacing conflicts with adjoining lots’ signs or visibility obstructions not caused by the owner); relief must be the minimum necessary and cannot increase the number/size of signs or allow a prohibited sign type.
- Appeals of Building Official sign‑permit denials go to the Board of Zoning Appeals (notice within 10 days; decision within 30 days); further appeal is available under state law.
Source: other municipal code