Sign Regulations in Roswell, Georgia
Roswell, Georgia has specific sign regulations covering 17 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Subdivision Entrance Sign, Subdivision Community Information Sign. Height restrictions apply. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Roswell, Georgia
Sample Sign Requirements in Roswell
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subdivision Entrance Sign | 8 ft | 32 SF | 10 ft from front property line, 15 ft from side property line. |
| Subdivision Community Information Sign | 7 ft | 24 SF | 50 ft from exterior of subdivision |
| Double Post Sign (Nonresidential Use Only) | 8 ft | 48 SF | 10 ft from front lot, 15 ft from side lot |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for RoswellPartial Coverage
Sign Types Covered
17
- Wall Sign
- Subdivision Entrance Sign
- Subdivision Community Information Sign
- Projecting Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Roswell
City Website1 permit application link available
Other Cities in Georgia
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Roswell 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 Roswell, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Roswell, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Subdivision Entrance Sign, Subdivision Community Information 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 Roswell 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 Roswell are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Roswell has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Roswell, Georgia Sign Rules at a Glance
Roswell, Georgia regulates 17 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Single Post Sign (Nonresidential Use Only)s in the AG-43, RS-87, RS-30, RS-18, RS-12, RS-9, RS-6, R-S4, R-CC, R-TF, R-TH, RM-2, RM-3 zoning district are capped at Structure: 12 ft; Sign: 5 ft tall, 9 SF, and 3 ft wide, with a 5 ft from both front and side lot lines setback (Sec. Sec. 10.3.27, Table; Sec. 10.3.38).
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Roswell, Georgia
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Roswell (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AG-43, RS-87, RS-30, RS-18, RS-12, RS-9, RS-6, R-S4, R-CC, R-TF, R-TH, RM-2, RM-3 | 5 | Structure: 12 ft; Sign: 5 ft | 48 SF | — |
| RX- | 3 | 8 ft | 32 SF | — |
| NX-, CX-, SH-, CC-, PV-, CH-, DR-, DX-, DH-, OR-, OP-, IX-, IL- | 12 | All except PV/HOD: 12 ft; PV/HOD: 8 ft | 250 SF per sign | — |
| CIV | 5 | 12 ft | 128 SF | — |
| REC | 1 | — | 32 SF | — |
| CON | 1 | — | 128 SF | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | Up to 32 SF; up to 50% of ground sign area | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Roswell(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
AG-43, RS-87, RS-30, RS-18, RS-12, RS-9, RS-6, R-S4, R-CC, R-TF, R-TH, RM-2, RM-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subdivision Entrance Sign | 8 ft | 32 SF | — | 10 ft from front property line, 15 ft from side property line. | 2 per street frontage | At subdivision entrance; minimum 10 ft setback from front property line, 15 ft from side property line. Must not conflict with required sight triangle. | — | Unlock | Sec. 10.3.27, Table; Sec. 10.3.35 |
| Subdivision Community Information Sign | 7 ft | 24 SF | — | 50 ft from exterior of subdivision | 1 per main subdivision entrance | Within subdivision, at least 50 ft from exterior of subdivision. | — | Unlock | Sec. 10.3.27, Table; Sec. 10.3.36 |
| Double Post Sign (Nonresidential Use Only) | 8 ft | 48 SF | — | 10 ft from front lot, 15 ft from side lot | 1 per street frontage, see above for exception | Set back at least 10 ft from front lot line, 15 ft from side lot line. | — | Unlock | Sec. 10.3.27, Table; Sec. 10.3.37 |
| Single Post Sign (Nonresidential Use Only) | Structure: 12 ft; Sign: 5 ft | 9 SF | 3 ft | 5 ft from both front and side lot lines | 1 per building | Set back at least 5 ft from both front and side lot lines. | — | Unlock | Sec. 10.3.27, Table; Sec. 10.3.38 |
| Sidewalk Sign (Nonresidential Use Only) | 5 ft | 9 SF | 3 ft | — | 1 per ground floor tenant | Adjacent to primary facade w/ principal customer entrance, or up to 8 ft from facade | — | Unlock | Sec. 10.3.27, Table; Sec. 10.3.39 |
NX-, CX-, SH-, CC-, PV-, CH-, DR-, DX-, DH-, OR-, OP-, IX-, IL-
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crown Sign | 8 ft | 250 SF per sign | Width: 75% of facade | — | 1 per building facade (2 per bldg total) | Only on buildings at least 55 ft or 4 stories, at upper horizontal band. Cannot be below highest floor, nor above roof. | — | Unlock | Sec. 10.3.27 Table; Sec. 10.3.32 |
| Shingle Sign | 3 ft | 9 SF | Projection 3 ft; Spacing from facade min 6 in, max 12 in; Depth 6 in | — | 1 per business per street frontage | Within 5 ft of accessible entrance, below window sills of 2nd story on multistory or roof on one-story buildings. | — | Unlock | Sec. 10.3.27 Table; Sec. 10.3.33 |
| Ground Sign | All except PV/HOD: 12 ft; PV/HOD: 8 ft | 1 tenant: 50 SF; 2-3 tenants: 64 SF; 4-5 tenants: 72 SF; 6+ tenants: 96 SF. (PV- or HOD: 48 SF) | — | 10 ft front, 15 ft side | 1 per street frontage, possibly 2 if >1000 ft | Setback: minimum 10 ft front, 15 ft side. 1 per street frontage unless >1000 ft of frontage (then 1 extra allowed), must be 500 ft apart if more than 1. | — | Unlock | Sec. 10.3.27 Table; Sec. 10.3.34 |
| Subdivision Entrance Sign | 8 ft | 32 SF | — | 10 ft from front property line, 15 ft from side property line. | 2 per street frontage | At subdivision entrance; minimum 10 ft setback from front property line, 15 ft from side property line. Must not conflict with required sight triangle. | — | Unlock | Sec. 10.3.27, Table; Sec. 10.3.35 |
| Subdivision Community Information Sign | 7 ft | 24 SF | — | 50 ft from exterior of subdivision | 1 per main subdivision entrance | Within subdivision, at least 50 ft from exterior of subdivision. | — | Unlock | Sec. 10.3.27, Table; Sec. 10.3.36 |
| Double Post Sign | 8 ft (DH-: 6 ft) | 48 SF (DH-: 36 SF) | — | 10 ft front, 15 ft side | 1 per street frontage; 2 if >1000 ft | Setback: 10 ft front, 15 ft side. | — | Unlock | Sec. 10.3.27 Table; Sec. 10.3.37 |
| Single Post Sign | 12 ft | 9 SF | 3 ft | 5 ft front and side | 1 per building | Setback: 5 ft front and side lot lines | — | Unlock | Sec. 10.3.27 Table; Sec. 10.3.38 |
| Sidewalk Sign (DH-, DS-, DX- only) | 5 ft | 9 SF | 3 ft | — | 1 per ground floor tenant | Adjacent to primary facade with principal customer entrance, or up to 8 ft from that facade | — | Unlock | Sec. 10.3.27 Table; Sec. 10.3.39 |
CIV
| 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 | — | 128 SF | — | — | 2 per business | No higher than 18 ft above sidewalk, not above roof or parapet or eave. | — | Unlock | Sec. 10.3.27 Table; Sec. 10.3.28 |
| Projecting Sign | Mounted below 2nd floor: 4 ft; between 2nd-3rd: 8 ft; above 3rd: 12 ft | — | Projection: max 6 ft; Spacing from facade: 1'-2' | — | 1 per business per street frontage | Must be 25 ft from any other projecting or shingle sign. | — | Unlock | Sec. 10.3.27 Table; Sec. 10.3.31 |
| Ground Sign | 12 ft | 50 SF (1 tenant); 64 SF (2-3 tenants); 72 SF (4-5 tenants); 96 SF (6+ tenants) | — | 10 ft front, 15 ft side | 1 per street frontage or 2 if >1000 ft | Setback: 10 ft front, 15 ft side | — | Unlock | Sec. 10.3.27 Table; Sec. 10.3.34 |
| Double Post Sign | 8 ft | 48 SF | — | 10 ft front, 15 ft side | 1 per street frontage, see ground sign | Setback: 10 ft front, 15 ft side | — | Unlock | Sec. 10.3.27 Table; Sec. 10.3.37 |
| Single Post Sign | 12 ft | 9 SF | 3 ft | 5 ft front and side | 1 per building | Setback: 5 ft front and side | — | Unlock | Sec. 10.3.27 Table; Sec. 10.3.38 |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Roswell — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 7 zones for Roswell — start freeProhibited Signs in Roswell
- Posting, displaying, materially changing, or erecting a sign without first obtaining a sign permit (unless specifically exempted).
- Signs visible from a public right-of-way or neighboring properties are subject to regulation; signs not visible are not regulated.
- Erecting, relocating, or maintaining any sign that prevents free ingress or egress from any door, window, or fire escape.
- Placing any sign (other than authorized government/service/railroad traffic signs) within a government right-of-way.
- Placing a sign closer than 20 feet to an intersection as measured from the intersection of two rights-of-way.
- Failing to set back all signs at least 10 feet from the right-of-way and disallowing projection over the right-of-way.
- Erecting more than one freestanding sign within 35 feet of another freestanding sign.
- Erecting signs without providing adequate visibility triangles as per Transportation Department standards.
- Erecting the following types of signs or devices: balloons (except as explicitly allowed), pennants, streamers, feather signs, or air/gas-filled figures; beacons, search lights, laser lights/images; audible signs; signs in a public right-of-way (except specified government or agency signs); signs on trees or utility poles; roof signs or signs above a roof/parapet; portable signs (except explicitly allowed sidewalk/sandwich signs); obscene signs; signs for illegal activities; signs not in good repair or with broken, rotted, rusted, or missing parts; abandoned signs; rotating, animated, flashing, electronic, varying light intensity, or changeable copy signs (except as explicitly allowed); imitation traffic signs; signs held or attached to humans, unless mere costumes; off-premises signs (with limited exception for certain institutions under 4 square feet and not in right-of-way); graffiti.
- Constructing or maintaining signs with nails, tacks, or wires protruding therefrom.
- Illuminating signs using blinking, flashing, chasing lights; bare bulbs; colored lights confused with traffic devices; or any light source creating a hazard to motorists.
- Any illuminated sign excessively bright or interfering with the welfare of adjacent properties.
- Maintaining or permitting a dangerous or defective sign.
- Erecting or maintaining any nonconforming sign except as strictly permitted for repair or maintenance (subject to limits).
- Any violation of the standards in the Article.
Exempt Signs in Roswell
- Public interest signs erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of duty (e.g., public notices, safety signs, traffic, street signs, memorial plaques).
- Traffic movement signs on private property directing movement, not exceeding 3 square feet, not advertising any product/service, and not in the public right-of-way.
- On-premises credit card identification signs up to 3 square feet, located on the building to which they relate.
- Signs not visible from the public right-of-way.
- Window signs not exceeding 30% of window area (including up to one neon 'open' sign ≤ 5 square feet for establishments, with additional constraints by district).
- Off-premises non-illuminated school, hospital, or other quasi-public signs not exceeding 4 square feet, not in the right-of-way.
- On-premises warning or public notice signs not exceeding 6 square feet, not in the right-of-way, spaced at least 100 feet apart.
- Flags of local, state, or national governments or private organizations designed to be flown from a flagpole (up to 3 per lot/site, each ≤ 60 square feet, ≤ 40' height, setback equals pole height).
- Murals or works of visual art (not in residential district) with no text/logos/commercial content legible from the right-of-way.
- On-premises business wall signs designed to identify services/products/activities not exceeding 1% of wall area and max two per building.
- Specific temporary signs (without permit), including: political signs (≤ 32 sq.ft., ≤ 8' height); civic/educational event signs (≤ 4 sq.ft., posted ≤ 2 days before and removed after); auto sales pricing signs (≤ 320 in² per vehicle, only certain colors); off-site real estate directional signs (≤ 4 sq.ft., limited number, location, duration, and no balloons/illumination/streamers/pennants); on-site residential real estate signs (1 per lot, ≤ 6 sq.ft., not illuminated, removed within 10 days of sale/lease, not in right-of-way).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Roswell
- A sign permit is required for most signs unless explicitly exempted (Sec. 10.3.5, 10.3.16).
- Permit applications must be complete and accurate, and include detailed site plans, elevations, owner permission, contractor information, and compliance statements (Sec. 10.3.7).
- Signs not visible from right-of-way or neighboring properties are not subject to the Article's standards (Sec. 10.3.5).
- A variance procedure is available for hardships related to setbacks, building material, or as otherwise specified (Sec. 10.3.11). Variance applications follow the City's zoning variance process.
- Any person aggrieved by a permit/variance decision can appeal per Sec. 13.12, with certain timeframes for final determination (Sec. 10.3.8, 10.3.9, 10.3.11).
- Permits are required for temporary promotional/grand opening/construction/real estate signs, unless the exemption standards are met (Secs. 10.3.22, 10.3.16K, 10.3.22).
- Certain large/multi-tenant or special sign types may be subject to design/site plan or variance approval per the detailed sign standards and zoning district tables (Secs. 10.3.27, zone standards, 10.3.28+).
Source: municode municipal code