# Sign Regulations in Stone Mountain, Georgia

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Stone Mountain, Georgia (GA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/georgia/stone-mountain
- **Data last verified:** 2026-04-27
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/ga/gwinnett_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH78SI)

## 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.

## Sign rules by zoning district (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 (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 | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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). | — | 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). | — | 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 | 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). | — | 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). | — | 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). | — | 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). | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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 | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | Sec. 78-113A (Row 9); Sec. 78-102(c). |

## Prohibited 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)).

## Signs exempt from permit 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

- 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)).

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

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