Roswell, GA Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Window sign area limit
- 30% of window area
- Neon 'open' sign limit
- 5 sf, 1 per business
- Neon signs in -HOD/-PV
- Not allowed
- Permit needed
- None, size limits still apply
- Max fine per sign
- $1,000, up to 6 months jail
Summary
Roswell caps window signs at 30% of the window's area and allows them without a sign permit under UDC § 10.3.16(E). A single neon "open" sign up to 5 square feet is also permit-exempt, unless the property sits in the -HOD or -PV overlay districts, where neon window signs are barred outright.
The following types of signs are exempt from this Section except for size, height, number and location limitations contained herein.
A.Public Interest Signs. Signs of a noncommercial nature and in the public interest, erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of their duty, such as public notices, safety sign, danger signs, trespassing signs, traffic and street signs, memorial plaques and signs of historical interest.B.Traffic Movement Signs on Private Property. Signs on private property directing traffic movement, not exceeding 3 square feet in area, and not advertising any business, service or product. Signs cannot be located within the public right-of-way.C.Credit Card Identification Signs. On-premises credit card identification signs up to 3 square feet in total area, located on the building of the business to which they relate.D.Signs not Visible from the Public Right-of Way. Any sign not visible from a public street.E.Window Signs.1.A sign installed inside a window for purposes of viewing from outside the premises. Signs cannot exceed 30% of the window area.2.An exposed neon window sign stating "open" that is not greater than 5 square feet in area and does not exceed 30% of the window area, limited to 1 per establishment. Neon signs are not allowed in the -HOD or -PV districts.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 17 | Unified Development Code: Supplement 5).
Full Breakdown
16 exempts from Roswell's sign-permit requirement, though the size, height, number and location limits in that section still apply in full. 16(E)(1)). 16(E)(2)). That neon allowance does not reach every part of the city. 16(E)(2)). 16(A)-(D)).
Violations & Fines
A window sign that exceeds 30% of the window area, or a second neon "open" sign at one address, is treated the same as any unpermitted sign violation under UDC § 10.3.19: each noncomplying sign is a separate offense, the City deems it a public nuisance, and the Zoning Director gives 10 to 30 days written notice to correct or remove it before citing the owner. Continued violations carry a fine of up to $1,000, up to 6 months' imprisonment, or both (§ 10.3.19(C), (E)-(F)).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a window sign in Roswell?
Can I put a neon 'open' sign in my storefront window?
What happens if my window sign is too big?
Are window signs counted against my building's other sign allowances?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Roswell
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Window Signs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fulton County handle window signs.