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Glynn County, GA Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Allowed districts: LC, GC, HC, FC, LI, BI, GI, PD
Residential buffer: 50 feet, SUP required inside
Min message duration: 15 seconds fixed
Max transition time: 2 seconds
Signs per lot: 1 electronic variable message sign
Fine per violation: up to $1,000

Summary

Digital billboards, called electronic variable message signs under Glynn County's Zoning Ordinance, are confined to commercial and industrial districts (or need a Special Use Permit within 50 feet of a home), must hold each message fixed for at least 15 seconds with transitions under two seconds, default to a frozen display on malfunction, and are capped at one per zoning lot (§ 809(d)(2)(d)).

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Glynn County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

d.Electronic Variable Message Signs. Non-mechanical electronic multiple message signs that are illuminated entirely by the use of light emitting diodes or similar technology shall be permitted under the following circumstances:(1)General Requirements.a.The message displayed by all electronic variable message signs shall remain fixed for a period of not less than 15 seconds.b.Each transitional change shall occur within two seconds.c.Any such sign shall contain a default design that will freeze the sign in one position or display if a malfunction occurs. ... e.Only one electronic variable message sign shall be allowed on each individual zoning lot.(2)Size, Height, Linear Spacing and Location Restrictions.a.Notwithstanding any other provision of this ordinance, the erection, construction, or maintenance of electronic variable message signs shall be limited to Local Commercial, General Commercial, Highway Commercial, Freeway Commercial, Shopping Center, Planned Commercial, Limited Industrial, Basic Industrial, and General Industrial Zoning Districts unless such a sign is approved as a Special Use Permit pursuant to Section 904.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Section 809(d) of the Glynn County Zoning Ordinance treats electronic variable message signs as a distinct category of outdoor advertising sign. They can go up only in Local Commercial, General Commercial, Highway Commercial, Freeway Commercial, Shopping Center, Planned Commercial, Limited Industrial, Basic Industrial and General Industrial districts, and never within 50 feet of a dwelling or residential district unless the county grants a Special Use Permit under § 904. Siting is further limited to sites adjacent to or visible from specific state highways, Highways 341, 82, 17, 303, 32, 99 and Spur 25, or from Altama Avenue or an arterial or collector on the county thoroughfare plan, again unless a Special Use Permit is obtained (§ 809(d)(2)(d)(2)).

Technically, each message must stay fixed for at least 15 seconds, transitions must complete within two seconds, and a default design must freeze the display if the sign malfunctions; only one such sign is allowed per zoning lot. A related billboard-specific rule in § 809(d)(1)(d) requires any changeable-message billboard to use LED or similar technology with an automatic dimmer. If the Glynn County Police Department reports that an electronic display is causing driver glare or otherwise interfering with safe operation, Code Enforcement must notify the owner, who then has 48 hours to reduce the sign's intensity to an acceptable level.

Violations & Fines

Digital signage violations run through the county's general sign enforcement in § 812: a first written notice gives the owner a chance to cure, and a citation follows if the violation is not fixed within five business days. Each additional day of noncompliance is a separate offense, fines run up to $1,000 per offense, and the Building Official or Code Enforcement can remove an unlawful or hazardous sign at the owner's expense, with unpaid removal costs becoming a lien on the property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a digital billboard near a residential neighborhood?

Not by right. Section 809(d)(2)(d) bars electronic variable message signs within 50 feet of any dwelling or residential zoning district unless the county approves a Special Use Permit under § 904. Outside that buffer, the sign still has to sit in an approved commercial or industrial district.

How fast can a digital sign change its message?

Each message must remain fixed for at least 15 seconds, and the transition to the next message can take no more than two seconds, per § 809(d)(2)(d)(1). If the sign malfunctions, it must default to freezing on one display rather than flashing or cycling erratically.

What happens if a digital sign is reported for glare?

If the Glynn County Police Department tells Code Enforcement that a sign's illumination is impairing drivers, the owner gets notified and has 48 hours to reduce the sign's intensity to an acceptable level, per § 809(d)(2)(d)(1)(d). Ignoring that notice exposes the sign to the county's standard removal and lien process under § 812.

Sources & Official References

[1]Glynn County Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance § 809

Other rules in Glynn County

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSignificant Restrictions Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome Restrictions Freeway-Facing SignsSome Restrictions Political SignsLight Restrictions Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Pet LimitsSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions

All Glynn County rules

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