Sign Regulations in Rome, Georgia
Rome, Georgia has specific sign regulations covering 18 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Projecting 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 Rome, Georgia
Sample Sign Requirements in Rome
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 40 ft maximum | 400 sq ft maximum per sign | 10 ft from ROW, 3 ft if ROW is 100 ft or more |
| Projecting Sign | 12 ft (or not to exceed eave or roofline, whichever is lower) | 18 sq ft maximum | — |
| Hanging Sign | — | 6 sq ft maximum | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for RomeFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
18
- Wall Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Projecting Sign
- Temporary Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Rome
Other Cities in Georgia
Frequently Asked Questions
In Rome, monument signs are limited to 40 ft maximum. 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 Rome, 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 Rome, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Projecting Sign, Temporary Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Rome, monument signs typically require a 10 ft from ROW, 3 ft if ROW is 100 ft or more 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 Rome are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Rome has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
AI-Powered Research
Ready to Research Rome Sign Permits?
Stop spending hours searching through municipal codes. Get instant access to Rome, Georgia sign regulations with PermitPal's AI-powered platform.
No credit card required · Get results in seconds
Rome, Georgia Sign Rules at a Glance
Rome, Georgia regulates 18 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 40 ft maximum tall and 400 sq ft maximum per sign, with a 10 ft from ROW, 3 ft if ROW is 100 ft or more setback (Sec. Sec. 11-118(b), (d); Sec. 11-127(a)-(d)). Most commercial signs in Rome require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Rome, Georgia
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Rome (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 9 | 40 ft maximum | 400 sq ft maximum per sign | — |
| R-1A, R-1B, R-2A, R-2B, R-2C, R-HR, R-3, A-1 | 7 | 40 ft maximum | 32 sq ft maximum | — |
| O, O-I | 1 | — | 32 sq ft maximum | — |
| C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, PUD, M-1, M-2 | 6 | 40 ft maximum | 400 sq ft maximum per sign | — |
| Historic Zoning District | 1 | — | — | — |
| A-R (Agricultural-Residential), S-R (Suburban-Residential), HT-R (High Density Traditional Residential), LT-R (Low Density Traditional Residential), D-R (Duplex Residential), M-R (Multifamily Residential) | 7 | 40 ft maximum | 32 sq ft maximum | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Rome(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On-premises, mounted on the wall or surface of a building/structure. | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-118; Sec. 11-128; Sec. 11-129; Sec. 11-133 |
| Freestanding Sign | 40 ft maximum | 400 sq ft maximum per sign | — | 10 ft from ROW, 3 ft if ROW is 100 ft or more | 1 per property <1 acre; 2 per 1.0-1.9 acres; 3 per 2.0+ acres | On-premises or off-premises depending on context; must be on private property. | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-118(b), (d); Sec. 11-127(a)-(d) |
| Projecting Sign | 12 ft (or not to exceed eave or roofline, whichever is lower) | 18 sq ft maximum | — | — | — | Affixed to vertical surface of building; may not extend above eave or roofline. | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-130(a)-(e) |
| Hanging Sign | — | 6 sq ft maximum | — | — | — | Attached to awning, canopy, or marquee, subject to inspector approval. | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-130(f) |
| Awning/Canopy/Marquee Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On awning, canopy, or marquee | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-130(g) |
| Temporary Sign | — | — | — | Not closer than 10 ft from street right-of-way (some temp types) | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-131 |
| Off-Premises Freestanding Sign | 40 ft maximum | 400 sq ft maximum | — | 10 ft from street right-of-way | Min spacing 1000 ft | Not within 1000 ft of any other such sign; not within 200 ft of a nonpermitted zone, 10 ft minimum from ROW, not within 100 ft of residential structure in residential zone; prohibited in Historic Zoning District, prohibited within 1000 ft of rivers and on Riverside Parkway. | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-126 |
| Professional Nameplate | — | 2 sq ft maximum | — | — | — | On building | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-124(12) |
R-1A, R-1B, R-2A, R-2B, R-2C, R-HR, R-3, A-1
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Real Estate Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | Not on any public right-of-way | 1 per street frontage | On lot or building for sale, lease, or being constructed. | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-125(b)(1); Sec. 11-124(1) |
| Temporary Sale/Lease Sign (Development) | — | — | — | — | — | Pertaining to the sale or lease of lots/dwellings within a development | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-125(b)(2) |
| Permanent Residential Development Identification Sign | — | — | — | — | — | At entrance to residential development | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-125(b)(3) |
| Church/School/Public Building Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On premises | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-125(b)(4) |
| Political Sign | 40 ft maximum | 32 sq ft maximum | — | Minimum 10 ft from public right-of-way | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-125(b)(5); Sec. 11-134 |
| Customary Home Occupation Sign | — | 1 sq ft | — | Less than 20 ft from any property line | 1 per premises | On premises, located less than 20 ft from any property line | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-125(b)(6) |
| Bed and Breakfast Identification Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On property where the B&B is operated | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-125(b)(7) |
A-R (Agricultural-Residential), S-R (Suburban-Residential), HT-R (High Density Traditional Residential), LT-R (Low Density Traditional Residential), D-R (Duplex Residential), M-R (Multifamily Residential)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Real Estate Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | Not on any public right-of-way | 1 per street frontage | On lot or building for sale, lease, or being constructed. | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-125(b)(1); Sec. 11-124(1) |
| Temporary Sale/Lease Sign (Development) | — | — | — | — | — | Pertaining to the sale or lease of lots/dwellings within a development | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-125(b)(2) |
| Permanent Residential Development Identification Sign | — | — | — | — | — | At entrance to residential development | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-125(b)(3) |
| Church/School/Public Building Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On premises | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-125(b)(4) |
| Political Sign | 40 ft maximum | 32 sq ft maximum | — | Minimum 10 ft from public right-of-way | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-125(b)(5); Sec. 11-134 |
| Customary Home Occupation Sign | — | 1 sq ft | — | Less than 20 ft from any property line | 1 per premises | On premises, located less than 20 ft from any property line | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-125(b)(6) |
| Bed and Breakfast Identification Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On property where the B&B is operated | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-125(b)(7) |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Rome — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 6 zones for Rome — start freeProhibited Signs in Rome
- It shall be unlawful for any person to post, display, substantially change, or erect a sign in the city without first obtaining a sign permit, except as specifically excluded from the provisions of this division. (Sec. 11-118(a))
- No sign or sign structure shall be more than 40 feet in height. (Sec. 11-118(b))
- No sign shall be erected within ten feet of any street right-of-way, except wall signs that would be installed on a wall closer than ten feet from the right-of-way, or as otherwise specified in this division. (Sec. 11-118(c))
- No sign shall be erected in the city that contains a sign area in excess of 400 square feet. (Sec. 11-118(d))
- Every electric sign shall be listed and installed under the standards of an approved electrical testing laboratory or approved by the building inspector and installed in conformance with the standards of the National Electrical Code, and a separate electrical permit shall be purchased therefor. (Sec. 11-118(f))
- No sign shall be erected that does not meet the construction requirements of the Standard Building Code (SBCCI) when applicable, or the building inspector in those cases when the Standard Building Code does not apply. (Sec. 11-118(g))
- The following types of signs are prohibited in all zoning districts of the city: roof signs (except certain temporary balloons), sidewalk/sandwich/curb signs (except as temporary signs for nonprofit activities), portable or trailer display signs, air- and gas-filled devices (except as a temporary sign), hanging signs (except those less than six square feet), off-premises signs except as permitted, signs on public rights-of-way (except exempt signs), searchlights or beacons, moving signs, signs placed on trees, rocks, and utility poles, signs obstructing a street/intersection/ingress/egress, and signs which by color/shape/position mimic or obscure traffic control devices or use words that may mislead or confuse traffic. (Sec. 11-123)
- No sign shall be erected or displayed in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision of a street, intersection, or ingress or egress from parking lots. (Sec. 11-123(11))
- Signs which by reason of shape, color, or position may interfere with, obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device; or make use of the word 'stop,' 'danger,' 'go,' 'slow,' 'caution,' 'warning,' or any other word, phrase, symbol or character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic are prohibited. (Sec. 11-123(12))
- No sign shall be erected on public rights-of-way, except for signs exempt under section 11-124. (Sec. 11-123(7))
- All signs shall be maintained in good condition as to present a neat and orderly appearance. (Sec. 11-132(a))
- No colored lights shall be used at any location or in any manner so as to be confused with or construed as traffic control devices. (Sec. 11-133(b))
- Neither direct nor reflected light from primary light sources shall create a hazard to operators of motor vehicles. (Sec. 11-133(c))
Exempt Signs in Rome
- Nonilluminated real estate or construction signs not in excess of 32 square feet, provided located on the lot or building for sale, lease, or being constructed, not located on any public right-of-way, limited to one sign per street frontage, and removed within ten days after lease, sale, or construction completion. (Sec. 11-124(1))
- Signs of a noncommercial nature and in the public interest, erected by, or on the order of, a public officer in the performance of duty, such as public notices, safety signs, danger signs, trespassing signs, traffic and street signs, property street numbers, memorial plaques, and signs of historical interest. (Sec. 11-124(2))
- Signs on private property directing traffic movement, not exceeding eight square feet in area nor four feet in length, and not allowed on public right-of-way. (Sec. 11-124(3))
- On-premises credit card identification signs up to two square feet per card, at least ten feet from public right-of-way. (Sec. 11-124(4))
- Any sign not visible from public thoroughfares or any sign within a business, office, mall, or other enclosed area. (Sec. 11-124(5))
- Off-premises nonilluminated church, civic, school, hospital or other quasipublic signs not exceeding four square feet in area and not on any public right-of-way. (Sec. 11-124(6))
- On-premises or model home, model apartment, and sales office signs within a residential development, not exceeding six square feet in area, set back at least ten feet from any street right-of-way, limited to one per sales office or model. (Sec. 11-124(7))
- On-premises 'no trespassing,' 'no hunting,' and similar type public notice signs less than six square feet in area, not allowed on any public right-of-way. (Sec. 11-124(8))
- Restaurant menu signs on private property and not on public right-of-way. (Sec. 11-124(9))
- Signs on vending machines related to their intended use. (Sec. 11-124(10))
- Signs on gas pumps as long as sign area does not exceed eight square feet. (Sec. 11-124(11))
- Professional nameplates not exceeding two square feet in area, nonilluminated, and attached to the building. (Sec. 11-124(12))
- Special event signs for nonprofit activities erected with approval of the building inspector or representative; however, a sign permit is still required, even if at no charge. (Sec. 11-124(13))
- Yard sale signs, not larger than four square feet, not on public right-of-way, removed within three days of sale. (Sec. 11-124(14))
- On-premises 'no parking,' 'no cruising,' and similar public notice signs at shopping centers, malls, and parking lots. (Sec. 11-124(15))
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Rome
- No explicit mention of a master sign plan, comprehensive sign plan, or required variance meeting for a sign plan found in the ordinance text. The review and approval of specific types/styles of hanging signs attached to awnings, canopies, or marquees are subject to the review and approval of the building inspector (Sec. 11-130(f)).
- Applications for sign permits must include a sketch or print drawn to scale showing pertinent information as required by the building inspector; additional information may be required at their discretion to ensure compliance (Sec. 11-119(7)).
Source: municode municipal code