Smyrna, GA Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)

Chapter 82 of the Smyrna Code regulates electronic signs as a type of sign and has no separate billboard definition. Section 82-2 defines an electronic sign as one whose message can be changed at intervals by computer, microprocessor or remote control and is displayed through LED, LCD, plasma or similar panels. Section 82-12(16) prohibits electronic signs except as specifically allowed under Section 82-16, and Section 82-12(2) prohibits flashing, intermittent or animated illumination or effect.

Section 82-16(2)e permits an electronic sign on nonresidentially zoned property as part of any sign the chapter permits, and forbids them in residential districts. The electronic portion cannot exceed the maximum sign area in Section 82-15(b) and cannot have more than two electronic sign areas per sign. Content must be static messages or images only, with no animation, movement or flashing and no varying light intensity during a message. Each message runs no less than 60 seconds, and transitions are limited to three seconds using only the frame effects Section 82-2 defines: fading in/out, zoom in/out and scrolling.

Brightness has three limits. Each sign needs a light sensing device to adjust to ambient light. On nonresidential property it cannot operate at more than 0.20 foot candles above ambient light levels, measured at a distance of 100 feet. If it sits in the line of sight of a residentially occupied structure on residentially zoned property, the limit is 0.10 foot candles above ambient at the nearest portion of that structure.

Operators also need a default mechanism that freezes the image on malfunction and a 24-hour contact who can turn the sign off. If more than 50 percent of the display lights fail, the sign must be turned off until repaired. During a complaint the department of community development can request an independent brightness certification, and the owner must turn the sign off within 24 hours of a request until compliant. General sign rules also apply: pole signs are prohibited under Section 82-12(8), a permitted freestanding sign must be a ground based monument sign, no sign can exceed 50 feet in nonresidential districts, and illuminated signs cannot be built within 100 feet of a single-family dwelling.