§ 33.25. Restrictions based on location.

If not otherwise stated, any sign not specifically allowed in a zoning district as provided under this Section shall be prohibited in that district, except as otherwise provided for under this Article. The following standards govern signs within specific zoning districts. For any zoning district not identified in the following sub-parts, signs shall comply with the sign regulations contained in section A, Agricultural district (AG-1).

A.

Agricultural district (AG-1) (article V, Fulton County Zoning Resolution).

1.

Freestanding signs.

a.

One maximum 32 square foot, freestanding sign per business or institutional use shall be permitted for each street on which the lot has frontage.

b.

One maximum 32 square foot, freestanding sign or two single-faced freestanding signs not to exceed 16 square feet for each side of a platted single family subdivision entrance.

c.

Freestanding signs shall have a maximum height of six feet, may be externally illuminated, and shall not have changeable copy.

2.

Window signs. Not more than three window signs per lot of record shall be allowed and shall not be larger than four square feet or cover more than 25 percent of the area of each window in which a sign is placed, whichever is less. Such signs shall not be illuminated.

3.

Signs during construction. One additional sign shall be allowed during construction. The sign shall not be internally illuminated, shall not exceed 12 square feet in area and five feet in height, and shall be allowed beginning with the commencement of construction and ending with the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or installation of a permanent sign, whichever occurs first.

4.

Flag. Each lot may display no more than one flag and/or flagpole. The flagpole shall not exceed 20 feet in height. Flag size shall not be more than 20 square feet.

5.

Banner. Banners shall be allowed for a period not exceeding 14 days with no more than three such 14-day periods being permitted per calendar year per lot. Time periods shall not be consecutive. Banners shall not be more than 24 square feet. No banner shall be mounted so as to extend above the horizontal plane of the roof where the building wall and roof meet or shall not extend more than five (feet above grade when on the ground.

6.

Standard informational sign. Each lot may display two standard informational signs without a permit, except that during a political election, each lot may display no more than six standard informational signs during the period 90 days before the date of the election and the final determination on each ballot issue or candidate.

7.

Internal development signs. Internal development signs (signs not visible from a public right-of-way) are permitted adjacent to internal road(s) serving the development. Includes but is not limited to signs such as parking lot information, directional, safety signs, and signs delineating internal sub-components of the overall development. Internal directional signs shall not exceed ten square feet in area and four feet in height.

B.

Residential districts (R-1, R-2, R-2A, R-3, R-3A, R-4, R-4A, R-5, R-5A, CUP, NUP, SUB A, SUB B and SUB C) (Article VI, Article XI, sections 11.1 and 11.2 and Appendix A, Fulton County Zoning Resolution).

1.

Freestanding signs.

a.

One maximum 32 square foot, freestanding sign per lot occupied with an institutional use shall be permitted for each street on which the lot has frontage.

b.

One maximum 32 square foot, freestanding sign or two single-faced freestanding signs not to exceed 16 square feet for each side of a platted single family subdivision entrance.

c.

Freestanding signs shall have a maximum height of six feet, may be externally illuminated, and shall not have changeable copy.

2.

Window signs. Not more than three window signs per lot of record shall be allowed and shall not be larger than four square feet or cover more than 25 percent of the area of each window in which a sign is placed, whichever is less. Such signs shall not be illuminated.

3.

Signs during construction. One additional sign shall be allowed during construction. The sign shall not be internally illuminated, shall not exceed 12 square feet in area and five feet in height, and shall be allowed beginning with the commencement of construction and ending with the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or installation of a permanent sign, whichever occurs first.

4.

Flag. Each lot may display no more than one (flag and/or flagpole. The flagpole shall not exceed 20 feet in height. Flag size shall not be more than 20 square feet.

5.

Banner. Banners shall be allowed for a period not exceeding 14 days with no more than three such 14-day periods being permitted per calendar year per lot. Banners shall not be more than 24 square feet. No banner shall be mounted so as to extend above the horizontal plane of the roof where the building wall and roof meet or shall not extend more than five feet above grade when on the ground.

6.

Standard informational signs. Each lot may display two standard informational signs without a permit, except that during a political election, each lot may display no more than six standard informational signs during the period 90 days before the date of the election and the final determination on each ballot issue or candidate.

7.

Internal development signs. Internal development signs (signs not visible from a public right-of-way) are permitted adjacent to internal road(s) serving the development. Includes but is not limited to signs such as parking lot information, directional, safety signs, and signs delineating internal sub-components of the overall development. Internal directional signs shall not exceed ten square feet in area and four feet in height.

C.

Apartment and townhouse residential districts (R-6, TR, A, A-L, MHP and A-1) (article VII, article XI, section 11.3 and Appendix A, Fulton County Zoning Resolution) and non-residential uses approved by a use permit (article XIX of the Fulton County Zoning Resolution).

1.

Freestanding signs. One maximum 32 square foot freestanding sign shall be permitted for each street on which the development has frontage. The sign shall have a maximum height of six feet, may be externally illuminated, and shall not have changeable copy.

2.

Window signs. Not more than three window signs per unit shall be allowed and shall not be larger than four square feet or cover more than 25 percent of the area of each window in which a sign is placed, whichever is less. Such signs shall not be illuminated.

3.

Signs during construction. One additional sign shall be allowed during construction. The sign shall not be internally illuminated, shall not exceed 12 square feet in area and five feet in height, and shall be allowed beginning with the commencement of construction and ending with the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or installation of a permanent sign, whichever occurs first.

4.

Flag. Each lot may display no more than one flag and/or flagpole. The flagpole shall not exceed 20 feet in height. Flag size shall not be more than 20 square feet.

5.

Banner. Banners shall be allowed for a period not exceeding 14 days with no more than three such 14-day periods being permitted per calendar year per lot. Banners shall not be more than 24 square feet. No banner shall be mounted so as to extend above the horizontal plane of the roof where the building wall and roof meet or shall not extend more than five feet above grade when on the ground.

6.

Awning/canopy signs. Awning/canopy signs may be displayed. A permit is required. The signs shall be deducted from allocated wall sign area. The area of the sign shall not exceed ten percent of the area of the awning or canopy.

7.

Standard informational signs. Each lot may display two standard informational signs without a permit, except that during a political election, each lot may display no more than six standard informational signs during the period 90 days before the date of the election and the final determination on each ballot issue or candidate.

8.

Internal development signs. Internal development signs (signs not visible from a public right-of-way) are permitted adjacent to internal road(s) serving the development. Includes but is not limited to signs such as parking lot information, directional, safety signs, and signs delineating internal sub-components of the overall development. Internal directional signs shall not exceed ten square feet in area and four feet in height.

D.

Office-institutional and apartment-office districts (O-I and A-O) (article VIII, section 8.1 and Appendix A, Fulton County Zoning Resolution).

1.

Freestanding signs.

a.

One maximum 32 square foot, freestanding sign shall be permitted for each street on which the lot has less than 500 feet of frontage. The sign shall have a maximum height of ten feet, may be externally illuminated, and shall not have changeable copy.

b.

One maximum 64 square foot, freestanding for each street on which the lot has 500 or more linear feet of frontage. If the lot has two or more entrances on a street on which it has frontage, the one maximum 64 square foot sign may be substituted by two single-faced freestanding signs not to exceed 32 square feet. The sign shall have a maximum height of ten feet, may be externally illuminated, and shall not have changeable copy. No more than two signs shall be allowed per frontage over 500 feet.

2.

Wall sign. Wall signs are permitted on street-facing walls (including windows and doors). Businesses without a street on which there is frontage, but which have exterior entrances to the building, are entitled to one wall sign on the exterior wall of the business where the primary entrance is located. Wall sign(s) shall not exceed the smaller of five percent of the applicable wall area or 100 square feet, confined to the upper 30 feet of the facade. Wall signs shall not have changeable copy unless approved as a marquee sign. Each place of business is allowed a maximum of two wall signs. Only one sign is allowed per wall. Wall signs shall face public streets and/or pedestrian-parking areas.

3.

Internal freestanding signs. Internal freestanding signs (signs not visible from a public right-of-way) are permitted adjacent to internal road(s) serving the development. The freestanding sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in area and six feet in height and shall not be legible by the traveling public from a public right-of-way.

4.

Window signs. Not more than three window signs per unit shall be allowed and shall not be larger than four square feet or cover more than 25 percent of the area of each window in which a sign is placed, whichever is less. Such signs shall not be illuminated, except that one window sign may be illuminated. Window signs shall not be counted toward the wall sign total square footage.

5.

Awning/canopy signs. Awning/canopy signs may be displayed. A permit is required. The signs shall be deducted from allocated wall sign area. The area of the sign shall not exceed ten percent of the area of the awning or canopy.

6.

Flags. Each lot may display no more than three flags and/or flagpoles. Flagpoles shall not exceed 20 feet in height. Flag size shall not be more than 20 square feet.

7.

Standard informational signs. Each lot may display two standard informational signs without a permit, except that during a political election, each lot may display no more than six standard informational signs during the period 90 days before the date of the election and the final determination on each ballot issue or candidate.

8.

Banners. Banners shall be allowed for a period not exceeding 14 days with no more than three such 14-day periods being permitted per calendar year per lot. In the case of lots which contain multiple businesses, each business shall be allowed a banner. Banners shall not be more than 32 square feet. No banner shall be mounted so as to extend above the horizontal plane of the roof where the building wall and roof meet and shall not extend more than five feet above grade when on the ground.

9.

Projecting signs. In a multi-tenant office building, in addition to all other permitted signs, one projecting non-illuminated sign per entrance used shall be allowed to identify the location of each tenant's premises. Projecting signs shall adhere to the following: does not exceed three square feet in area; is uniform in size, material, color and shape and is placed in an equivalent location to other such signs located on the same building; is suspended from the eave or soffit of the building; and maintains a minimum of seven feet clearance between the bottom of the sign and the walkway below.

10.

Internal development signs. Internal development signs (signs not visible from a public right-of-way) are permitted adjacent to internal road(s) serving the development. Includes but is not limited to signs such as parking lot information, directional, safety signs and directional signs associated with hospitals and other emergency care facilities. Internal directional signs shall not exceed ten square feet in area and four feet in height except that signs associated with hospitals and emergency care facilities shall not exceed 20 square feet in area.

E.

Commercial, industrial park, and mixed use districts (C-1, C-2, M-1A, MIX) (article IX, article X, section 10.1, article VIII, section 8.2, Fulton County Zoning Resolution).

1.

Freestanding signs.

a.

One maximum 32 square foot, freestanding sign shall be permitted for each lot which contains less than three acres.

b.

One maximum 44 square foot, for each lot which contains three or more, but not more than 15 acres.

c.

For lots that contain more than 15 acres, one maximum 64 square foot, freestanding for each street on which the lot has primary frontage and one 32 square foot, freestanding sign for each street on which the lot has secondary frontage. If the primary frontage of the lot is 500 linear feet or more and if the lot has two or more entrances on the street on which it has primary frontage, the one maximum 64 square foot sign may be substituted with two single-faced freestanding signs not to exceed 32 square feet. The sign shall have a maximum height of six feet if 32 square feet or less and eight feet if 64 square feet or less and may be externally illuminated. No more than two signs shall be allowed per development unless there is a secondary frontage.

d.

All signs shall have a maximum height of six feet if 32 square feet or less, a maximum height of eight feet or less if greater than 32 square feet, may be internally lighted, and shall not have changeable copy, except in association with motor vehicle fuel pricing. Each sign may have not more than four tenant panels if 32 square feet or less, or not more than six tenant panels if greater than 32 square feet.

e.

Within the mixed use (MIX) district one maximum 32 square foot, freestanding sign or two single-faced freestanding signs not to exceed 16 square feet for each side of a platted residential component's entrance shall be permitted.

2.

Wall signs. Wall signs are permitted on street-facing walls (including windows and doors). Businesses without a street on which there is frontage, but which have exterior entrances to the building, are entitled to one wall sign on the exterior wall of the business where the primary entrance is located. Wall sign(s) shall not exceed five percent of the applicable wall area or 100 square feet, whichever is smaller. Wall signs shall not have changeable copy unless approved as a marquee sign or in association with motor vehicle fuel pricing. Each place of business is allowed a maximum of two wall signs. Only one sign per business is allowed per wall. Wall signs shall face public streets and/or pedestrian-parking areas. (Amended 5/7/08)

3.

Wall signs, tenant over 50,000 square feet. A tenant that has over 50,000 square feet of gross floor space and has independent leased space within a shopping center shall be allowed wall signs not to exceed five percent of the applicable wall area or 300 square feet, whichever is smaller.

4.

Menu sign. One menu sign as part of a drive-thru or drive-in facility. One menu sign shall be allowed per drive-through lane.

5.

Banner. Banners shall be allowed for a period not exceeding 14 days with no more than three such 14-day periods being permitted per calendar year per lot. In the case of lots which contain multiple businesses, each business shall be allowed a banner. Banners shall not be more than 32 square feet. No banner shall be mounted so as to extend above the horizontal plane of the roof where the building wall and roof meet, or shall not extend more than five feet above grade when on the ground.

6.

Signs during construction. One additional sign shall be allowed during construction. The sign shall not be internally illuminated. The sign shall be allowed beginning with the commencement of construction and ending with the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or installation of a permanent sign, whichever occurs first. The sign shall not exceed the maximum freestanding sign allowed on the lot.

7.

Out-of-store marketing device. Out-of-store marketing devices shall be allowed, shall not exceed eight feet in height, and shall not be illuminated except for illumination intrinsic to the device. No permit shall be required.

8.

Flags. Each lot may display no more than three flags and/or flagpoles. Flagpoles shall not exceed 20 feet in height. Flag size shall not be more than 20 square feet.

9.

Entrance signs. In a multi-tenant commercial or office building, in addition to all other permitted signs, one projecting non-illuminated sign per entrance used shall be allowed to identify the location of each tenant's premises. Projecting signs shall adhere to the following: does not exceed three square feet in area; is uniform in size, material, color and shape and is placed in an equivalent location to other such signs located on the same building; is suspended from the eave or soffit of the building; and maintains a minimum of seven feet clearance between the bottom of the sign and the walkway below.

10.

Window signs. Not more than three window signs per unit shall be allowed and shall not be larger than four square feet or cover more than 25 percent of the area of each window in which a sign is placed, whichever is less. Such signs shall not be illuminated, except that one window sign may be illuminated. Window signs shall not be counted towards the wall sign total square footage.

11.

Awning/canopy signs. Awning/canopy signs may be displayed. A permit is required. The area of the sign shall not exceed ten percent of the area of the awning or canopy. The area of an awning/canopy sign shall be deducted from the allowable area of a wall sign. Changeable copy shall be allowed in association with motor vehicle fuel pricing.

12.

Standard informational signs. Each lot having one business or residence may display two standard informational signs, and each lot having more than one business may display four standard informational signs without a permit, except that during a political election, each lot may display no more than six standard informational signs during the period 90 days before the date of the election and the final determination on each ballot issue or candidate.

13.

Projecting signs. In a multi-tenant commercial or office building, in addition to all other permitted signs, one projecting non-illuminated sign per entrance used shall be allowed to identify the location of each tenant's premises. Projecting signs shall adhere to the following: does not exceed three square feet in area; is uniform in size, material, color, and shape and is placed in an equivalent location to other such signs located on the same building; is suspended from the eave or soffit of the building; and maintains a minimum of seven feet clearance between the bottom of the sign and the walkway below.

14.

Internal freestanding signs. Internal freestanding signs (signs not visible from a public right-of-way) are permitted adjacent to internal road(s) serving the development. The freestanding sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in area and six feet in height and shall not be legible by the traveling public from a public right-of-way.

15.

Internal development signs. Internal development signs (signs not visible from a public right-of-way) are permitted adjacent to internal road(s) serving the development. Includes but is not limited to signs such as parking lot information, directional, safety signs and directional signs associated with hospitals and other emergency care facilities. Internal directional signs shall not exceed ten square feet in area and four feet in height except that signs associated with hospitals and emergency care facilities shall not exceed 20 square feet in area.

F.

Industrial districts (M-1, M-2) (article X, sections 10.2 and 10.3 of the Zoning Resolution of Fulton County).

1.

Billboards. Within industrial districts (M-1 and M-2), freestanding signs shall not exceed 672 square feet and shall be located according to the following standards:

a.

Along, and oriented toward, state numbered primary routes or national highways only;

b.

At least 500 feet from all residential or AG-1 zoning districts;

c.

Minimum 100-foot setback from right-of-way;

d.

Minimum of 1,500 feet from any other billboards or freestanding sign, except standard informational signs;

e.

The lot on which the billboard is located shall have sufficient area to accommodate the fall zone, and excepting the sign, no buildings, structures, or appurtenances shall be contained in the fall zone;

f.

Be in compliance with applicable height standards for the district in which located.

2.

Freestanding signs.

a.

One maximum 32 square foot, freestanding sign shall be permitted for each street on which the lot has up to and including 500 feet of frontage. The sign shall have a maximum height of 20 feet and shall not have changeable copy.

b.

One maximum 64 square foot, freestanding sign shall be permitted for each street on which the lot has more than 500 linear feet and up to 1,000 linear feet of frontage. The sign shall have a maximum height of 20 and shall not have changeable copy.

c.

One maximum 72 square foot, freestanding sign shall be permitted for each street on which the lot has more than 1,000 linear feet of frontage (excludes spin sites and out-parcels). The sign shall have a maximum height of 20 feet and shall not have changeable copy.

d.

One maximum 32 square foot, freestanding sign per sign site or out-parcel which is identified on a site plan approved pursuant to a single zoning case. The sign shall have a maximum height of eight feet and shall not have changeable copy.

3.

Wall signs. Wall signs are permitted on street-facing walls (including windows and doors). Businesses without a street on which there is frontage, but which have exterior entrances to the building, are entitled to one wall sign on the exterior wall of the business where the primary entrance is located. Wall sign(s) shall not exceed five percent of the applicable wall area or 180 square feet, whichever is smaller. Wall signs shall not have changeable copy unless approved as a marquee sign. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an anchor tenant that has over 50,000 square feet of gross floor space within a shopping center shall be allowed wall signs not to exceed five percent of the applicable wall area or 300 square feet, whichever is smaller. Each place of business is allowed a maximum of two wall signs. Only one sign is allowed per wall. Wall signs shall face public streets and/or pedestrian-parking areas.

4.

Menu sign. One menu sign as part of a drive-thru or drive-in facility. One menu allowed per drive-through lane.

5.

Banner. Banners shall be allowed for a period not exceeding 14 days with no more than three such 14 day periods being permitted per calendar year per lot. In the case of lots which contain multiple businesses, each business shall be allowed a banner. Banners shall not be more than 32 square feet. No banner shall be mounted so as to extend above the horizontal plane of the roof where the building wall and roof meet or shall not extend more than five feet above grade when on the ground.

6.

Signs during construction. One additional sign shall be allowed during construction. The sign shall not be internally illuminated. The sign shall be allowed beginning with the commencement of construction and ending with the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or installation of a permanent sign, whichever occurs first. The sign shall not exceed the maximum freestanding sign allowed on the lot.

7.

Out-of-store marketing device. Out-of-store marketing devices shall be allowed, shall not exceed eight feet in height, and shall not be illuminated except for illumination intrinsic to the device. No permit shall be required.

8.

Flags. Each lot may display no more than three flags and/or flagpoles. Flagpoles shall not exceed 20 feet in height. Flag size shall not be more than 20 square feet.

9.

Projecting signs. In a multi-tenant commercial or office building, in addition to all other permitted signs, one projecting non-illuminated sign per entrance used shall be allowed to identify the location of each tenant's premises. Projecting signs shall adhere to the following: does not exceed three square feet in area; is uniform in size, material, color and shape and is placed in an equivalent location to other such signs located on the same building; is suspended from the eave or soffit of the building; and maintains a minimum of seven feet clearance between the bottom of the sign and the walkway below.

10.

Window signs. Window signs are allowed without a permit and shall not occupy in the aggregate more than 25 percent of the window area. Window signs shall not be counted towards the wall sign total square footage.

11.

Awning/canopy signs. Awning/canopy signs may be displayed. A permit is required. The signs shall be deducted from allocated wall sign area. The area of the sign shall not exceed ten percent of the area of the awning or canopy. The area of an awning/canopy sign shall be deducted from the allowable area of a wall sign.

12.

Standard informational signs. Each lot having one business may display two standard informational signs, and each lot having more than one business may display four standard informational signs without a permit, except that during a political election, each lot may display no more than six standard informational signs during the period 90 days before the date of the election and the final determination on each ballot issue or candidate.

13.

Internal freestanding signs. Internal freestanding signs (signs not visible from a public right-of-way) are permitted adjacent to internal road(s) serving the development. The freestanding sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in area and six feet in height and shall not be legible by the traveling public from a public right-of-way.

14.

Internal development signs. Internal development signs (signs not visible from a public right-of-way) are permitted adjacent to internal road(s) serving the development. Includes but is not limited to signs such as parking lot information, directional and safety signs. Internal directional signs shall not exceed ten square feet in area and four feet in height.

(Res. No. 08-0238, 5-7-08; Amd. No. 10-0679, pts. 1, 2, 7-7-10; Amd. No. 11-0478, 6-1-11; Res. No. 11-0743, 9-7-11; Res. No. 12-0556, 7-11-12)