Sign Regulations in Stone Mountain, Georgia
Stone Mountain, Georgia has specific sign regulations covering 50 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Primary Ground Sign - Non-Residential (≤ 5 ft height; 0–5 ft setback), Primary Ground Sign - Non-Residential (5–20 ft height; setback = sign height), Accessory Ground Signs - Non-Residential (per entrance). 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 Stone Mountain, Georgia
Sample Sign Requirements in Stone Mountain
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Ground Sign - Non-Residential (≤ 5 ft height; 0–5 ft setback) | 5 ft | 75–200 sq ft based on Gross Building Space | 0–5 ft from right-of-way and at least 10 ft from back-of-curb of public roadway. |
| Primary Ground Sign - Non-Residential (5–20 ft height; setback = sign height) | 5–20 ft | 75–200 sq ft based on Gross Building Space | Setback from right-of-way equal to sign height; also at least 10 ft from back-of-curb. |
| Wall Signs - Non-Residential (Individual Establishment on Individual Non-Residential Lot) | Not greater than height of wall; typical wall sign may not project >12 inches and not above second story (definition). | Per elevation: 36–200 sq ft (see formula). Total: 72–400 sq ft per building (see formula). | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Stone MountainFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
50
- Primary Ground Sign - Non-Residential (≤ 5 ft height; 0–5 ft setback)
- Primary Ground Sign - Non-Residential (5–20 ft height; setback = sign height)
- Accessory Ground Signs - Non-Residential (per entrance)
- Wall Sign - Tenant in Planned Commercial Center
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Stone Mountain
Other Cities in Georgia
Frequently Asked Questions
In Stone Mountain, wall signs can be up to Not greater than height of wall; typical wall sign may not project >12 inches and not above second story (definition).. 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 Stone Mountain, 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 Stone Mountain, regulated sign types include Primary Ground Sign - Non-Residential (≤ 5 ft height; 0–5 ft setback), Primary Ground Sign - Non-Residential (5–20 ft height; setback = sign height), Accessory Ground Signs - Non-Residential (per entrance), Wall Sign - Tenant in Planned Commercial Center, 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 Stone Mountain 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 Stone Mountain are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Stone Mountain has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Stone Mountain, Georgia Sign Rules at a Glance
Stone Mountain, Georgia regulates 50 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Primary Ground Sign - Non-Residential (≤ 5 ft height; 0–5 ft setback)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 5 ft tall and 75–200 sq ft based on Gross Building Space, with a 0–5 ft from right-of-way and at least 10 ft from back-of-curb of public roadway. setback (Sec. Sec. 78-113A (Category 1 – Ground Signs ≤5 ft); Sec. 78-102(b)(1), (3); Sec. 78-102(c); Sec. 78-112(a)-(d).). Most commercial signs in Stone Mountain require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Stone Mountain, Georgia
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Stone Mountain (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 30 | 20 ft | 360 sq ft | — |
| Activity center/corridor overlay district | 3 | — | — | — |
| Agriculture-Residence District (RA-200); Single-Family Residence-Large Lot District (R-LL); Single-Family Residence District (R-100); Single-Family Residence District (R-75); Single-Family Residence District (R-60); Senior Oriented Residence District (R-SR); Single-Family Residence Townhouse District (R-TH); Residential In-Fill District (R-IF); Open Space Conservation District (OSC) | 10 | 8 ft (embellishments ≤2 ft above max height) | 48 sq ft | — |
| Low-Rise Residential Multifamily District (LRR); Mid-Rise Residential Multifamily District (MRR); High-Rise Residential Multifamily District (HRR) | 6 | 8 ft (embellishments ≤2 ft above) | 180 sq ft (5+ stories) or 360 sq ft (10+ stories on specified corridors) | — |
| Office-Institutional District (O-I); Neighborhood Business District (C-1); General Business District (C-2); Highway Business District (C-3); Light Industry District (M-1); Heavy Industry District (M-2); Neighborhood Mixed-Use District (MU-N); Community Mixed-Use District (MU-C); Regional Mixed-Use District (MU-R) | 12 | 8 ft (embellishments ≤2 ft above) | 180 or 360 sq ft (per criteria) | — |
| Traditional Neighborhood Development District (TND) | 4 | 8 ft (embellishments ≤2 ft above) | 75–200 sq ft (see formula). | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Stone Mountain(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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Ground Sign - Non-Residential (≤ 5 ft height; 0–5 ft setback) | 5 ft | 75–200 sq ft based on Gross Building Space | — | 0–5 ft from right-of-way and at least 10 ft from back-of-curb of public roadway. | One sign structure per road frontage. | Individual establishment on an individual non-residential lot; one sign structure per road frontage. | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-113A (Category 1 – Ground Signs ≤5 ft); Sec. 78-102(b)(1), (3); Sec. 78-102(c); Sec. 78-112(a)-(d). |
| Primary Ground Sign - Non-Residential (5–20 ft height; setback = sign height) | 5–20 ft | 75–200 sq ft based on Gross Building Space | — | Setback from right-of-way equal to sign height; also at least 10 ft from back-of-curb. | One sign structure per road frontage. | Individual establishment on an individual non-residential lot. | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-113A (Category 1 – Ground Signs 5–20 ft); Sec. 78-102(b)(1), (3), (c); Sec. 78-112. |
| Accessory Ground Signs - Non-Residential (per entrance) | 3 ft | 3–6 sq ft (see formula). | — | 0–5 ft from right-of-way and at least 10 ft from back-of-curb. | Two sign structures per entrance. | At entrances of an individual non-residential lot. | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-113A (Category 2 – Accessory Ground Signs, Non-Residential); Sec. 78-102(c); Sec. 78-112. |
| Primary Ground Sign - Planned Office/Commercial/Mixed-Use/Industrial/Retail Center (≤ 5 ft height; 0–5 ft setback) | 5 ft | 75–200 sq ft based on center Gross Building Space | — | 0–5 ft from right-of-way and at least 10 ft from back-of-curb. | One sign per road frontage (not to exceed max allowable square footage). | One per road frontage serving the planned center. | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-113A (Category 5 – Ground Signs ≤5 ft); Sec. 78-102(b)(1), (3), (c); Sec. 78-112. |
| Primary Ground Sign - Planned Office/Commercial/Mixed-Use/Industrial/Retail Center (5–20 ft height; setback = sign height) | 5–20 ft | 75–200 sq ft based on center Gross Building Space | — | Setback from right-of-way equal to sign height; also at least 10 ft from back-of-curb. | One sign per road frontage (not to exceed max allowable square footage). | One per road frontage serving the planned center. | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-113A (Category 5 – Ground Signs 5–20 ft); Sec. 78-102(b)(1), (3), (c); Sec. 78-112. |
| Accessory Ground Signs - Planned Centers (per entrance) | 3 ft | 3–6 sq ft (see formula). | — | 0–5 ft from right-of-way and at least 10 ft from back-of-curb. | Two signs per entrance. | At each entrance of a planned office/commercial/industrial/mixed-use/retail center. | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-113A (Category 6 – Accessory Ground Signs, Planned Centers); Sec. 78-102(c); Sec. 78-112. |
| Primary Ground Sign - Residential Lot (3–5 acres) | 5 ft | 24 sq ft | — | 0 ft from right-of-way; also at least 10 ft from back-of-curb. | One sign structure per road frontage. | Individual building on an individual residential lot (3–5 acres). | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-113A (Category 3 – Ground Signs, 3–5 acres); Sec. 78-112(e); Sec. 78-102(c). |
| Primary Ground Sign - Residential Lot (5+ acres) | 5 ft | 48 sq ft | — | 0 ft from right-of-way; also at least 10 ft from back-of-curb. | One sign structure per road frontage. | Individual building on an individual residential lot (5+ acres). | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-113A (Category 3 – Ground Signs, 5+ acres); Sec. 78-112(e); Sec. 78-102(c). |
Agriculture-Residence District (RA-200); Single-Family Residence-Large Lot District (R-LL); Single-Family Residence District (R-100); Single-Family Residence District (R-75); Single-Family Residence District (R-60); Senior Oriented Residence District (R-SR); Single-Family Residence Townhouse District (R-TH); Residential In-Fill District (R-IF); Open Space Conservation District (OSC)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Ground Sign - Residential Lot (3–5 acres) | 5 ft | 24 sq ft | — | 0 ft from right-of-way; also at least 10 ft from back-of-curb. | One per road frontage. | Individual residential lot (3–5 acres). | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-113A (Category 3 – Ground Signs); Sec. 78-112(e); Sec. 78-102(b)(1), (c). |
| Primary Ground Sign - Residential Lot (5+ acres) | 5 ft | 48 sq ft | — | 0 ft from right-of-way; also at least 10 ft from back-of-curb. | One per road frontage. | Individual residential lot (5+ acres). | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-113A (Category 3 – Ground Signs); Sec. 78-112(e); Sec. 78-102(b)(1), (c). |
| Accessory Ground Signs - Residential Lot (3–5 acres) | 3 ft | 4 sq ft | — | 0 ft from right-of-way; also at least 10 ft from back-of-curb. | Two per entrance. | Per entrance to an individual residential lot (3–5 acres). | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-113A (Category 4 – Accessory Ground Signs); Sec. 78-112(e); Sec. 78-102(c). |
| Accessory Ground Signs - Residential Lot (5+ acres) | 3 ft | 6 sq ft | — | 0 ft from right-of-way; also at least 10 ft from back-of-curb. | Two per entrance. | Per entrance to an individual residential lot (5+ acres). | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-113A (Category 4 – Accessory Ground Signs); Sec. 78-112(e); Sec. 78-102(c). |
| Permanent Entrance Ground Sign - Residential Subdivision | 8 ft (embellishments ≤2 ft above max height) | 32 sq ft per sign | — | 0 ft from right-of-way; also at least 10 ft from back-of-curb. | Two per entrance. | At subdivision entrances. | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-113A (Row 10); Sec. 78-112(e); Sec. 78-102(c). |
| Interior Project Sign (Residential projects) | 4 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 0 ft from right-of-way. | One per internal intersection. | At internal intersections within the residential project. | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-111; Sec. 78-113A (Row 11); Sec. 78-112(e). |
| Subdivision Recreation Area Signs (Ground and Wall) | Ground: 5 ft | Ground: 24 sq ft; Wall: 9 sq ft | — | Ground: 0 ft from right-of-way and ≥10 ft from back-of-curb. | Ground: one per road frontage; Wall: one on front elevation. | At recreation area frontage and on recreation building front elevation. | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-113A (Row 12); Sec. 78-112(e); Sec. 78-102(c). |
| Subdivision Real Estate Sign | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 10 ft from right-of-way. | One per subdivision entrance. | At subdivision entrance/along frontage. | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-113A (Row 13); Sec. 78-109(2); Sec. 78-112(e). |
Office-Institutional District (O-I); Neighborhood Business District (C-1); General Business District (C-2); Highway Business District (C-3); Light Industry District (M-1); Heavy Industry District (M-2); Neighborhood Mixed-Use District (MU-N); Community Mixed-Use District (MU-C); Regional Mixed-Use District (MU-R)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Ground Sign - Non-Residential (≤ 5 ft height; 0–5 ft setback) | 5 ft | 75–200 sq ft (see formula) | — | 0–5 ft from right-of-way; also ≥10 ft from back-of-curb. | One sign structure per road frontage. | Individual establishment on an individual non-residential lot. | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-113A (Category 1 – Ground Signs ≤5 ft); Sec. 78-102(b)(1), (3), (c); Sec. 78-112. |
| Primary Ground Sign - Non-Residential (5–20 ft height; setback = sign height) | 5–20 ft | 75–200 sq ft (see formula) | — | Setback from right-of-way equal to sign height; also ≥10 ft from back-of-curb. | One sign structure per road frontage. | Individual establishment on an individual non-residential lot. | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-113A (Category 1 – Ground Signs 5–20 ft); Sec. 78-102(b)(1), (3), (c); Sec. 78-112. |
| Accessory Ground Signs - Non-Residential (per entrance) | 3 ft | 3–6 sq ft (see formula). | — | 0–5 ft from right-of-way; also ≥10 ft from back-of-curb. | Two per entrance. | At entrances. | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-113A (Category 2); Sec. 78-102(c). |
| Primary Ground Signs - Planned Center (≤5 ft and 5–20 ft variants) | ≤5 ft (0–5 ft setback) or 5–20 ft (setback = height) | 75–200 sq ft (see formula). | — | Per height variant; also ≥10 ft from back-of-curb. | One per road frontage. | One per road frontage for planned office/commercial/mixed-use/industrial/retail centers. | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-113A (Category 5); Sec. 78-102(b)(1), (3), (c). |
| Accessory Ground Signs - Planned Center (per entrance) | 3 ft | 3–6 sq ft | — | 0–5 ft from right-of-way; also ≥10 ft from back-of-curb. | Two per entrance. | At each entrance to planned center. | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-113A (Category 6); Sec. 78-102(c). |
| Wall Sign - Tenant in Planned Commercial Center | Not greater than height of wall. | See formula. | — | N/A | Limited by per-elevation and total area caps. | On tenant façades within planned commercial center. | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-113A (Category 7). |
| Wall Sign - Tenant in Planned Office/Industrial Center | Not greater than height of wall. | As formula. | — | N/A | One per elevation per tenant. | On tenant façades. | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-113A (Category 8). |
| Permanent Entrance Ground Sign - Non-Residential or Mixed-Use Subdivision | 8 ft (embellishments ≤2 ft above) | 50 sq ft | — | 0 ft from right-of-way; also ≥10 ft from back-of-curb. | Two per entrance. | At non-residential/mixed-use subdivision entrances. | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-113A (Row 9); Sec. 78-102(c). |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Stone Mountain — 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 Stone Mountain — start freeProhibited Signs in Stone Mountain
- Roof signs are prohibited in all zoning districts (Sec. 78-107(1)).
- Streamers are prohibited (Sec. 78-107(2)).
- Portable, trailer, sidewalk, sandwich, curb, or 'A'-type signs are prohibited (Sec. 78-107(3)).
- Animated signs involving motion, flashing, blinking, rotation, or varying light intensity are prohibited (Sec. 78-107(4)).
- Signs placed within public rights-of-way are prohibited except publicly owned/authorized/maintained signs serving an official public purpose (Sec. 78-107(5)).
- Signs may not be nailed, fastened, or affixed to trees, rocks, posts, curbs, utility poles, natural features, official street or traffic control signs/devices, or other structures except as otherwise set forth (Sec. 78-107(6)).
- Signs placed or erected on property without the owner’s permission are prohibited (Sec. 78-107(7)).
- Window signs exceeding a cumulative 20% of available window area per tenant per building elevation are prohibited (Sec. 78-107(9)).
- Obscene signs are prohibited (Sec. 78-107(10)).
- Signs that simulate or could be misconstrued as official traffic control devices or that hide from view any traffic control device/signal/public service sign are prohibited (Sec. 78-107(11)).
- Signs emitting or utilizing any detectable sound are prohibited (Sec. 78-107(12)).
- Signs that interfere with road/highway visibility, obstruct safe traffic movement, or pose hazards due to structural deficiencies are prohibited (Sec. 78-107(13)).
- Signs advertising activities, services, or products illegal under federal, state, or local law are prohibited (Sec. 78-107(14)).
- Signs obstructing fire escapes, means of egress/ventilation, or free roof passage, and signs attached to any fire escape, are prohibited (Sec. 78-107(15)).
- Signs not conforming to applicable building and electrical codes are prohibited (Sec. 78-107(16)).
- Signs violating any zoning overlay district rules are prohibited (Sec. 78-107(17)).
- Signs constructed of non-durable materials (paper, cardboard, flexible plastic) displayed for more than 60 days are prohibited (except replacement by identical sign; temporary signs governed separately) (Sec. 78-107(18)).
- Signs located on substandard lots created after enactment of the ordinance are prohibited unless the substandard lot resulted from governmental action (Sec. 78-107(19)).
- Structurally unsound signs or signs hazardous to traffic or pedestrians are prohibited (Sec. 78-107(21)).
- Signs (including structures) that do not present a neat and orderly appearance (e.g., rust, holes, broken/missing parts, faded/flake paint, non-operative lighting, missing letters) are prohibited (Sec. 78-107(22)).
- Illumination that glares, blinds, or casts direct light onto adjacent properties/roadways is prohibited (Sec. 78-112(a)).
- Blinking, flashing, or fluctuating lights or illumination with changing intensity, brightness, or color are prohibited (Sec. 78-112(b)).
- Exposed neon tubing and signs formed directly from neon, LED, or similar lighting are prohibited except as otherwise allowed (Sec. 78-112(c)).
- Exposed or visible lighting strips mounted on buildings or around window frames are prohibited (Sec. 78-112(d)).
- Oversized signs (signs exceeding 30 feet in height and/or 300 square feet sign area) are prohibited (Sec. 78-114(a)).
- Sign face backgrounds must be neutral non-white colors (non-neutral or white sign face backgrounds are prohibited) (Sec. 78-102(c)).
Exempt Signs in Stone Mountain
- Items encompassed by UDO Title 2 and allowed in front yards are not considered 'signs' under this chapter and are not regulated as signs (Sec. 78-101, definition of Sign).
- Non-illuminated temporary freestanding signs (excluding banners) without a permit, limited to either one sign up to 16 sq ft or up to four signs each up to 4 sq ft; height not greater than 8 ft above adjacent street elevation or 3 ft above ground, whichever is greater (Sec. 78-109(1)).
- Subdivision real estate signs along the road frontage of a newly developed residential subdivision from project start until 10 days after the final sale (permit-exempt) (Sec. 78-109(2)).
- Signs solely displaying street numbers and other signs required by law (permit-exempt) (Sec. 78-109(3)).
- Window signs not exceeding a cumulative 20% of available window space per tenant per building elevation (permit-exempt) (Sec. 78-109(4)).
- Projecting signs up to 3 sq ft attached under an eave or awning above a business entrance (permit-exempt) (Sec. 78-109(6)).
- Signage on courtesy benches, trash receptacles, newspaper boxes, automated teller kiosks, and phone booths up to 8 sq ft each and not within the required front yard setback; limited to one bench sign and one trash receptacle sign per lot (permit-exempt) (Sec. 78-109(7)).
- Signage on vending machines (permit-exempt) (Sec. 78-109(8)).
- Seasonal light pole banners up to 16 sq ft on private poles in commercial or mixed-use zoning districts for no more than 60 days (permit-exempt) (Sec. 78-109(9)).
- Flags displayed on purpose-built, professionally fabricated flagpoles in good repair, subject to size/number/holiday provisions and UDO Chapter 230 pole height/setback standards (permit-exempt) (Sec. 78-109(10)).
- During May and June only: banners up to 24 sq ft placed at the entrance to a subdivision on residentially zoned property, maintained in good condition and individually attached to a pole/mast/arm (permit-exempt) (Sec. 78-109(11)).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Stone Mountain
- No master sign plan or comprehensive sign plan requirement is specified in the provided text; most signs are permitted individually by sign permit or temporary sign permit (Sec. 78-102(a), Sec. 78-109).
- It is unlawful to post, display, alter, or erect a sign without a sign permit or temporary sign permit unless specifically exempt (Sec. 78-102(a)).
- Temporary signs require a temporary sign permit, allowed for 21 consecutive days, not more than four times per 12-month period per parcel, with at least three months between permits; temporary signs are not allowed in activity center/corridor overlay districts (Sec. 78-108).
- Special use permit by the Board of Commissioners is required to modify a legal non-conforming oversized sign to an electronic oversized sign when within 500 feet of a residence, including postings, certified mailings to residents within 500 feet, and a public hearing (Sec. 78-114A(b)(2)).
- Variances from sign standards may be granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals upon meeting specified hardship criteria (Sec. 78-117).
- Appeals of sign permit denials or revocations go to the Zoning Board of Appeals; further appeal by certiorari to Superior Court is allowed (Sec. 78-115(f)–(g)).
Source: municode municipal code