Title 3 — Development Regulations, Chapter 560 — Decorative Traffic Sign Post Policy
current as of 2026-04-14verified current · checked 2026-08-24Officialofficial source ↗1 sections · full chapter
§ 560-10
Neighborhood Decorative Traffic Sign Policy
560-10.01 Uniform Guidance
Requirements for the installation and/or maintenance of standard and decorative traffic (street) sign posts has been developed to best serve the citizens of the County, providing the opportunity for communities to have more aesthetically pleasing traffic sign posts, while reducing liability to the County by establishing clear guidelines regarding traffic signage, based upon Federal and State law.
Policy have been established to provide distinct and transparent guidelines in regards to ownership, maintenance, and financial obligations for traffic sign posts / traffic signage. The purpose of traffic signage is to provide clear and uniform signage in an effort to help drivers safely navigate (regulate, warn, guide) County roads.
560-10.02 Options
A.The County currently has two available Permit Options regarding standard / decorative traffic sign posts in unincorporated Paulding County. Each of these two permit options has different provisions regarding type of traffic sign posts, maintenance, and financial responsibilities. Once an option is chosen then all signs must be in compliance with the option chosen. If Option 2 is chosen then all interior signs must be placed on approved decorative posts including speed limit signs. Under either option, only MUTCD approved signs are allowed within Paulding County right-of-way. The two permit options are listed below:
1.Option 1: PCDOT will remove the decorative sign post and install standard u-channel galvanized sign post with all traffic signage. PCDOT will perpetually maintain and inspect all sign locations; there is no cost for this traffic signage.
2.Option 2: The Maintaining Authority (HOA / Homeowners Group) will pay for, install, and maintain all PCDOT approved decorative sign posts, along with installing and maintaining the traffic signage. PCDOT will provide the necessary traffic signage for the decorative sign posts. A deposit will be required by PCDOT in the estimated value of the required signage. This deposit will be returned or destroyed once the PCDOT provided traffic signage has been installed per PCDOT / MUTCD guidelines and been inspected and approved by PCDOT. Any regulatory, warning, and guide signs placed at entrance roadways shall be installed as standard Paulding County signs and posts.
560-10.03 Application.
A.The Paulding County Decorative Traffic Sign Post informational packet can be obtained from PCDOT (should this be hyperlinked on the website?). This informational packet will contain:
3.Sizes of most commonly used traffic control devices within the County.
B.The permit should be completed and sent back to PCDOT with the following:
1.Two copies of diagrams from the sign company that will be installing the aesthetic signs/sign posts.
2.The type of material used for the sign faces, posts, post sizes, heights, street name sign bracket dimensions (width and length), backing board dimensions
3.Any additional pertinent information should be provided on the diagrams in order for PCDOT to determine that the proposed traffic signs will meet current PCDOT and Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) guidelines, which mandates standards regarding traffic signs and sign posts in Georgia.
4.All reflective sheeting shall meet or exceed ASTM Type III Prismatic grade (such as Avery-Dennison T-6500 prismatic high intensity reflective sheeting or 3M 3930 prismatic high intensity reflective sheeting) specifications for retro reflectivity.
5.No enamel or screen printed signs will be permitted for use on PCDOT maintained roadways.
560-10.04 Responsibility.
It will be the responsibility of the Maintaining Authority to pick up the traffic signs at the County Traffic Operations building and install / maintain all signage in accordance with the applicable permit requirements and signing plan.
560-10.05 Requirements.
All decorative sign posts shall be crashworthy in design, in accordance with the MUTCD and FHWA requirements. Street name signs shall be green with white reflective lettering and border and be an approved font listed in the latest Standard Highway Signs manual; all street name signs shall conform to the dimensions, based on the road speed and lane geometry type shown in Figure 560.1.
