Atlanta, GA Sign Regulations: Freeway-Facing Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Restricted distance
- 660 feet from freeway/expressway system
- Banned sign types
- animated, flashing, changing, rotating signs
- Illumination approval
- Bureau of Traffic and Transportation sign-off required
- Construction exception
- 40 sq ft, 1 year, within 300 ft
- Citation
- Atlanta Code § 6-27
Summary
Atlanta bans animated, flashing, changing, and rotating signs within 660 feet of any limited-access freeway or expressway inside city limits, with a narrow temporary exception during construction.
It shall be unlawful for any person to build, use or maintain, within a distance of 660 feet from any portion of the limited access freeway or expressway system within the city, any animated sign, any flashing sign, any changing sign or any rotating sign as defined in part 16 of this Code. Any sign which involves direct or indirect illumination shall have the approval of the director, bureau of traffic and transportation prior to the issuance of a building permit or the erection of the sign.(c)Exception. However, after actual development of property within 300 feet of a limited access highway has commenced on the premises and during the period of construction thereon, one sign not to exceed 40 square feet may be placed thereon for a period not to exceed one year from the erection of the sign. (Code 1977, § 14-1002)
Cross reference— Streets, sidewalks and other public places, ch. 138.
State Law reference— Location restrictions for certain signs, O.C.G.A. § 32-6-70 et seq.
Full Breakdown
Atlanta Code § 6-27 prohibits building, using, or maintaining any animated, flashing, changing, or rotating sign within 660 feet of the city's limited-access freeway or expressway system. Any illuminated sign near this zone needs sign-off from the director of the bureau of traffic and transportation before a building permit issues or the sign goes up. The only carve-out: once construction starts on a lot within 300 feet of a limited-access highway, one temporary sign up to 40 square feet is allowed to stand for up to one year from installation. The rule sits in the advertising chapter, not the zoning code's supplemental sign article.
Violations & Fines
Violating Atlanta's Code of Ordinances carries the Code's general penalty under § 1-8: a fine up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or up to six months of public works duty, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put an animated sign near I-75/I-85 in Atlanta?
Is there any exception for construction-site signs near Atlanta freeways?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Atlanta
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