Fulton County, GA Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)
Key Facts
- Electronic/LED changeable signs
- prohibited
- Manual changeable signs
- limited near right-of-way
- Max fine
- $1,000/day per citation
- Governing section
- Zoning Resolution § 33.3
Summary
Fulton County's sign ordinance flatly bars changeable-copy signs from using changing lights or electronic images, meaning true digital, LED-style billboards aren't allowed under Zoning Resolution § 33.3, wherever they're located.
Changeable copy sign. Any sign that incorporates changing lettering or images to form a message or messages, whether such changes are accomplished electronically or manually. Changeable copy signs shall not incorporate changing lights or electronic images. Such changeable copy signs cannot flash, and if located within one hundred fifty (150) feet of a road right-of-way, may not change more than once per twenty-four (24) hours.
Commission or commissioners. The Fulton County Board of Commissioners.
County. Fulton County.
Department. The department of environment and community development.
Director. The director of the department of environment and community development or his or her designee for a particular purpose.
Directory sign. A single sign for multiple businesses, offices, professionals, industries, or other entities located within a planned center.
Drive-through/drive-in facility. A location where products and/or services are distributed to, or business is transacted with, a person seated in a motor vehicle.
Fall zone. An area equal to 133 percent of the height of the structure in every direction.
Flag. Any fabric or bunting containing colors, patterns, or symbols used as a symbol of a government or other entity or organization.
Flashing sign. A sign, the illumination of which is not kept constant in intensity at all times when in use and which exhibits marked changes in lighting effects.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 57).
Full Breakdown
The Fulton County Sign Ordinance defines a 'changeable copy sign' as any sign that changes its message electronically or manually, then bans the sign from incorporating changing lights or electronic images, and from flashing. Separately, § 33.17(N) lists animated signs, flashing signs, and changeable-copy signs that change more than once every 24 hours within 150 feet of a road right-of-way among the county's prohibited signs and devices. Together, these sections rule out electronic/LED digital billboards countywide: only manually-changed reader boards that don't flash or use electronic imaging, and that change no more than once a day near a right-of-way, are allowed.
Violations & Fines
Each violating sign is a separate offense under § 33.18, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 per day per citation, up to 60 days' imprisonment, or both; the county can also revoke the sign permit and order the sign removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a business put up a digital LED sign in unincorporated Fulton County?
What happens if I install an illegal digital sign anyway?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fulton County
Compare Fulton County to another location·View the Georgia sign regulations overview
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