Bartow County, GA Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)
Key Facts
- New digital billboards
- Not permitted, any district
- Existing digital billboards
- Nonconforming as of 7/10/2019
- Small-sign EVMC exception
- Up to 70 sq ft, C-1/C-N/I-1/I-2/BPD only
- Message change limit
- No more than once per 10 seconds
- Governing section
- Zoning Ordinance Sec. 11.7.7
Summary
Unincorporated Bartow County prohibits digital and LED billboards outright under the Zoning Ordinance's sign code. Any electronic display that shows moving images, changing messages, or animation is barred, and billboards already using that technology when the July 10, 2019 amendment took effect became legal nonconforming uses instead of being grandfathered as compliant.
11.7.7 LED and electronic signs. This includes, but is not limited to, signs displaying moving pictures, images or animation; LED (light emitting diode) signs; LCD (liquid crystal display) signs; digital signs; "TV" type signs; EVMC (electronic variable message center) signs; signs that spell words or create images with numerous small lights or other internal illumination; and similar electronic or digital signs. A limited exception to this prohibition is permitted under section 11.5.4 above. Externally illuminated, electronically controlled, segmented sign display elements are not prohibited. Digital billboards (also known as LED billboards) shall not be permitted. Existing Digital billboards existing as of the date of this amendment (July 10, 2019) shall become nonconforming uses.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 7 of the Bartow County Zoning Ordinance places digital and LED billboards on the list of prohibited signs alongside roof signs, rotating signs and portable signs. The ban reaches any sign displaying moving pictures, images or animation, LED and LCD signs, digital signs, 'TV' type signs, and what the code calls EVMC (electronic variable message center) signs, defined as signs that spell words or create images using numerous small lights. The section states directly that digital billboards, also known as LED billboards, shall not be permitted.
The county did carve out one narrow exception: a limited EVMC allowance under Sec. 3 foot candles above ambient light, but that exception covers small onsite business signage, not a freestanding off-premise billboard. Any digital billboard that was already standing when the county adopted this amendment on July 10, 2019 did not have to come down; instead Sec. 7 converts it into a legal nonconforming use, meaning it can continue operating but cannot be rebuilt, enlarged, or replaced with new digital technology if it is damaged, destroyed, or discontinued.
New digital billboards proposed anywhere in unincorporated Bartow County after that date are barred outright, whether on I-75 frontage or any other road. Community Development's Zoning Administrator enforces the sign article, and a prohibited sign erected in violation is subject to removal under the general enforcement provisions of Article XI.
Violations & Fines
Erecting a new digital or LED billboard anywhere in unincorporated Bartow County violates Sec. 11.7.7's outright ban; the sign is a prohibited use subject to removal by the County. A pre-2019 digital billboard that loses its nonconforming status, by being rebuilt, enlarged, or left discontinued past the code's nonconformity limits, cannot be replaced with new digital technology and must convert to a conforming, non-electronic sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a new digital billboard in unincorporated Bartow County?
What happens to digital billboards that existed before the ban?
Are there any electronic signs allowed in Bartow County?
Who enforces the sign ordinance in unincorporated Bartow County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bartow County
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