Alpharetta, GA Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)

The Unified Development Code defines an 'Electronic sign' in § 2.6.3 as any sign, or part of a sign, whose message can be changed at intervals by electronic process or remote control, expressly naming tri-vision, LCD, and LED signs. Section 2.6.8, the Code's prohibited-sign list, then bans animated signs, flashing signs, and intensely lighted signs outright (item 4), and separately prohibits variable message boards used for any purpose other than traffic management (item 6), which is defined elsewhere in the Code as 'a programmable sign that provides changing information.' Because these two prohibitions together sweep in any changeable electronic display, the Unified Development Code leaves no path to permit a digital or electronic billboard anywhere in the City, whether free-standing, wall-mounted, or on a monument sign base.

The same § 2.6.8 list separately bars internally illuminated window signs, including neon or LED signs, and face-illuminated channel letter signs, reinforcing that lit, changeable displays are disfavored throughout the sign ordinance. A sign owner cannot obtain a variance around this ban either: § 2.6.5 expressly states that no variance may be granted for a sign that is prohibited under § 2.6.8, so the ban on animated and electronic message signs is absolute rather than subject to case-by-case relief.