EMC Sign Law Blog Post Checklist


1. Title

Format:
EMC Sign Laws – [City], [County], [State]
Example:
EMC Sign Laws – Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania

2. EMC Sign Allowed?

This section must appear at the top of the blog post. It determines whether the reader should continue reading.

If EMC signs are not allowed, the rest of the post is not relevant unless a variance process exists.

Include:

  • A direct statement confirming whether EMC signs are permitted.

  • If not allowed, quote the exact language from the ordinance.

  • Provide a link to the official ordinance or municipal code.

  • If there is a variance, conditional use, or appeals process, describe it briefly and link to the relevant documentation or process overview.

3. EMC Sign Summary Table (Only if EMCs are allowed)

Provide a quick-reference summary of the key legal allowances and restrictions.

Feature Answer
Zoning districts that allow EMCs e.g., CMX-2, CMX-5
EMC sign styles allowed Monument, Freestanding, Wall, Projecting
Off-premise EMCs allowed Yes / No
EMCs allowed in the public right-of-way Yes / No
Minimum setback required e.g., 10 ft from property line or ROW
Use restrictions e.g., EMCs allowed only for religious institutions, schools, or commercial businesses

4. Zoning District Overview

Describe the zoning framework that governs signage in the city.

Include:

  • Total number of commercial and industrial zoning districts

  • Full list of applicable zoning district names

  • Link to the city’s official GIS zoning map or interactive parcel viewer

  • Screenshot of how to identify a zoning designation for a specific property

5. Zoning-Specific Standards (One Table Per Category)

Organize zoning rules by category. Use separate tables for:

  • Commercial districts

  • Industrial districts

  • Residential districts (if applicable)

  • Civic or institutional districts (if applicable)

Example: Commercial Zoning Table

Requirement CMX-2 CMX-2.5
EMC allowed Yes Yes
Permitted sign types Wall, Monument Wall
Maximum number of EMCs 1 per street frontage 1 per frontage
Maximum area (wall-mounted) 25 sq. ft. or 3 sq. ft/linear ft 100 sq. ft. total
Maximum height 20 ft or roofline 20 ft
Static illumination allowed Yes Yes
Animated signs No No
Mechanical motion Yes Yes
Off-premise content allowed No No
Right-of-way projection 24 inches max Not allowed
Setback requirement 10 ft from ROW 10 ft from property line

6. Permit Filing Requirements

Provide clear, actionable information for those seeking to apply for an EMC permit.

Include:

  • List of required permit forms

  • Any known permit fees (including review or inspection charges)

  • Your company’s fee to file the permit on the client’s behalf (if applicable)

  • Link to the official city or county permitting page or downloadable forms

7. Local Project Examples (Optional)

If applicable, provide examples of EMC sign projects completed in the same area.

Include:

  • Brief descriptions of the project scope and location

  • Photos (if available)

  • Links to client reviews or testimonials (if appropriate)

8. Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim)

Copy and paste the relevant portions of the sign ordinance at the end of the blog post.

Include:

  • Section numbers and table references (e.g., §14-904, Table 14-406-1)

  • A link to the official version of the ordinance on the city’s website

9. External Reference Links

End the post with a reference section that includes links to:

  • Zoning or parcel viewer to check zoning status of a property

  • Official sign code or municipal ordinance

  • City or county permitting portal

  • State-level code references (if applicable)

  • Planning department or zoning board contact information

Let me know if you'd like this turned into a ready-to-use blog post template or used to create your next article.


Sample EMC Allowed: 

EMC Sign Laws – Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania

Summary: Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs are allowed in designated commercial and industrial zoning districts in Philadelphia. Permitted installation types include wall, projecting, and freestanding signs, subject to area, height, and setback limits. Off-premise use is prohibited, and signs must comply with static illumination rules. Permit applications are required and typically cost between $150–$500.

1. EMC Sign Allowed?

Yes. EMC signs are allowed in the City of Philadelphia within designated commercial and industrial zoning districts.

"Electronic message signs shall be permitted only in certain zoning districts and must comply with size, duration, and illumination requirements as defined in the Philadelphia Zoning Code."

View Official Ordinance: §14-904

2. EMC Sign Summary Table

Feature Answer
Zoning districts that allow EMCs CMX-2, CMX-2.5, CMX-3, CMX-4, CMX-5, ICMX
EMC sign styles allowed Wall, Freestanding, Projecting
Off-premise EMCs allowed No
EMCs in ROW Not allowed
Minimum setback required 10 ft from property line
Use restrictions EMCs permitted for commercial or industrial uses only

3. Zoning District Overview

Philadelphia has nine zoning districts that allow signage for commercial or industrial use:

  • CMX-1

  • CMX-2

  • CMX-2.5

  • CMX-3

  • CMX-4

  • CMX-5

  • ICMX

  • IRMX

  • I-1

Philadelphia Zoning Map Viewer

![Zoning Map Screenshot Placeholder]

4. Commercial Zoning Table

Requirement CMX-2 CMX-2.5
EMC allowed Yes Yes
Permitted sign types Wall, Projecting, Freestanding Wall, Projecting, Freestanding
Max EMCs per frontage 1 1
Max area (wall-mounted) 25 sq. ft. or 3 sq. ft/ft 100 sq. ft.
Max height 20 ft or roofline 20 ft
Static illumination Yes Yes
Animated signs No No
Mechanical motion Yes Yes
Off-premise content allowed No No
ROW projection Max 24" Not allowed
Setback required 10 ft 10 ft

5. Permit Filing Requirements

  • Required forms: Zoning Permit Application, Electrical Permit

  • Permit fee: Approx. $150 - $500 depending on size and district

  • LED Sign City permit service fee: $325 flat rate

Permit Application Portal

6. Local Project Example

LED Sign City installed a 4x8 EMC at a church on Broad Street under CMX-2. The sign met all setback and height regulations and was permitted within 14 business days.

7. Full Ordinance Text

Refer to: Philadelphia Zoning Code §14-904



Sample EMC Not Allowed
EMC Sign Laws – Winchester, Franklin County, Tennessee

Summary: Electronic Message Center signs are not allowed in the City of Winchester. The zoning code specifically prohibits all forms of LED, digital, or scrolling sign content in every zoning classification. There is currently no variance process in place to request exceptions.

1. EMC Sign Allowed?

No. EMC signs are not permitted within the City of Winchester.

"Electronic Message Centers, LED, or digital signs are prohibited within all zoning classifications."

View Official Ordinance (PDF)

2. Ordinance Statement

Direct excerpt:

"No form of LED, digital, or scrolling sign content is permitted within the city limits. This includes any form of message display that uses electronic means to change content."

There is no variance process currently in place for EMCs.

3. Summary Table (Not Applicable)

Since EMCs are prohibited, additional zoning tables, installation types, or permitting requirements do not apply.

4. External Reference

Visit the City of Winchester Planning Department for future updates or ordinance revisions:

Winchester Planning & Zoning

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