Are LED Signs (EVMS) Allowed in New Castle County, DE? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning

The good news is that Electronic Variable Message Signs (EVMS) are allowed in New Castle County, Delaware, but with strict conditions. EVMS may be substituted for other permitted signs in commercial (C‑1, C‑2, C‑3) and manufacturing (M‑1, M‑2, M‑3) districts, subject to size, brightness, message duration, and location restrictions. Off‑premises EVMS are allowed only along specific interstate highways and state routes, with additional spacing and removal requirements. All EVMS must be factory pre‑set to maximum nits (5,000 daytime / 250 nighttime for on‑premises; 7,500 / 1,000 for off‑premises), include a photocell dimmer, and display static messages with instantaneous transitions. Signs in designated byways (scenic/historic corridors) cannot use EVMS at all.

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EVMS Allowed?
✅ Yes — in commercial and manufacturing districts (C‑1, C‑2, C‑3, M‑1, M‑2, M‑3) if code‑compliant; off‑premises EVMS only on specific interstate and state highways.

“Electronic variable message sign (EVMS) … may be substituted in lieu of other permitted signs pursuant to Section 40.06.060, Schedule of Sign Restrictions.”
(Sec. 40.06.030 B.6.a)

🔗 Full Ordinance – New Castle County Code (Article 6) – Link to county code
🔗 Zoning Map & Property Info – Link to county GIS

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Variance / Appeals Process

A variance is not required for EVMS that comply with the specific standards in Sec. 40.06.030 B.6 and the sign schedule in Sec. 40.06.060.
If your proposal exceeds code limits (size, height, brightness, message duration), submit a Variance Application to the Board of Adjustment, including:

• Detailed sign plan (dimensions, mounting, setbacks)

• Engineering certification for structural integrity

• EVMS specification sheet (nits, dimmer, photocell, message timing)

• Written certification from manufacturer that intensity is factory pre‑set and password‑protected

• Proof of removal of existing static off‑premises sign (for new off‑premises EVMS)

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EVMS Summary Table

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Zoning District Overview (Commercial & Manufacturing)

New Castle County zoning districts that may permit EVMS (per Sec. 40.06.060 schedule):

• C‑1 (Commercial Neighborhood – similar to former C‑1)

• C‑2 / C‑3 (Commercial Regional – similar to former C‑2, C‑3)

• M‑1, M‑2, M‑3 (Industrial, Heavy Industrial – similar to former M‑1, M‑2, M‑3)

• BP (Business Park) – treated same as M‑1

• ON / OR (Office Neighborhood / Office Regional) – EVMS may be permitted via substitution? Check schedule.

Note: Residential districts (NC, SR, SE, S, ST, TN) do not allow EVMS except for noncommercial ideological signs ≤32 sq ft (Sec. 40.06.040.A.12).

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Zoning‑Specific Standards for EVMS

All EVMS must comply with the following (Sec. 40.06.030 B.6, Sec. 40.06.060):

• Substitution allowed – EVMS may replace any permitted sign type (wall, ground, etc.) in applicable districts.

• Area limit – 50 sq ft maximum for on‑premises EVMS (including any static portion). Off‑premises EVMS: 250 sq ft copy area in C‑2/C‑3; 672 sq ft in M‑1/M‑2/M‑3.

• Height limit – No EVMS may exceed the district’s maximum building height, and in no case over 45 ft (Sec. 40.06.030.A.6).

• Setback – 75 ft from any residential use; also must observe district setbacks for ground signs (Sec. 40.06.030 B.6.d).

• Message duration – On‑premises: 30 minutes fixed; off‑premises: 10 seconds fixed.

• Transition – Instantaneous; no special effects (dissolve, spin, fade, scroll).

• Malfunction default – Must freeze or shut down.

• No movement – No scrolling, flashing, changing intensity during fixed display (except public emergencies).

• Brightness controls – Factory pre‑set, password‑protected, photocell dimmer required.

• Public emergencies – May scroll continuously for weather alerts, AMBER alerts, security events (Sec. 40.06.030 B.6.h).

Off‑premises EVMS additional restrictions (Sec. 40.06.030 B.6.g):

• Only on designated interstate and state highways.

• Spacing: 2,500 ft from another EVMS; 500 ft from static off‑premise sign.

• Not within 1,000 ft of interchange, junction, or at‑grade intersection.

• No double‑stacked or side‑by‑side signs.

• Must remove one existing static off‑premises sign for each new EVMS (except replacements).

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Permit Filing Requirements

To apply for an EVMS permit (Sec. 40.06.050):

1. Submit application to the Department of Land Use on forms provided.

2. Include:

   • Site plan showing sign location, setbacks, distance to residential uses.

   • Sign rendering with dimensions, type (ground/wall), and EVMS designation.

   • Manufacturer’s written certification that:

     • Light intensity is factory pre‑set (≤5,000 nits day / 250 nits night for on‑premises; ≤7,500/1,000 for off‑premises)

     • Intensity is password‑protected against end‑user manipulation.

   • Proof of dimmer control and photocell auto‑dimming.

   • For off‑premises EVMS: proof of removal of an existing static sign (unless replacement).

3. Pay fees per Chapter 6 of County Code.

4. Await review by Department and, for off‑premises, spacing and location verification.

Note: Permits must be affixed to signs >28 sq ft (excluding wall signs) and all off‑premises signs (Sec. 40.06.050.D.1).
Annual inspections are performed by the Department (Sec. 40.06.050.A).

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Full Ordinance Excerpts (Verbatim)

Definition – EVMS (Sec. 40.06.020):
“Electronic variable message sign (EVMS) means a sign or portion thereof where the message copy includes characters, letters or illustrations that can be changed or rearranged electronically without touching or physically altering the primary surface of the sign. Message copy may be changed in the field or from a remote location.”

EVMS Substitution (Sec. 40.06.030 B.6.a):
“An electronic variable message sign may be substituted in lieu of other permitted signs pursuant to Section 40.06.060, Schedule of Sign Restrictions.”

Message Duration and Transition (Sec. 40.06.030 B.6.e, f.i):
*“With the exception of EVM off-premises advertising signs, the message displayed on the EVMS shall remain fixed for a minimum of thirty (30) minutes. The message displayed on EVM off-premises signage shall remain fixed for a minimum of ten (10) seconds.”*
“When the message is changed, the transition time between messages shall be instantaneous and without special effects such as dissolving, spinning, or fading in/out.”

Brightness Limits (Sec. 40.06.030 B.6.f.iv):
*“Prior to the issuance of a zoning permit, the applicant for an EVM sign shall provide written certification from the sign manufacturer that the light intensity has been factory pre-set not to exceed five thousand (5,000) nits and that the intensity level is protected from end-user manipulation by password-protected software. No sign may be brighter than is necessary for clear and adequate visibility and shall not exceed a maximum of five thousand (5,000) nits during daylight hours and two hundred fifty (250) nits during nighttime hours. All EVM signs must be equipped with both a dimmer control and a photocell that automatically adjusts the display’s intensity according to natural ambient light conditions.”*

Off‑Premises EVMS Location (Sec. 40.06.030 B.6.g.i, iv):
*“EVM off-premises advertising signs shall only be located on and be oriented to interstate highways: I-95, I-295 and I-495; and state highway US-13 NB between SR-273 and US-40.”*
“EVM off-premises advertising signs shall not be placed along designated byways.”

Designated Byways (Sec. 40.06.080.A.1):
“The following signs are prohibited: 1. Electronic Variable Message Signs (EVMS); …”

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External Reference Links

• 🗺️ New Castle County Zoning Map & Parcel Search

• 📘 New Castle County Code – Article 6 (Sign Regulations)

• 📝 Land Use Permit Application Portal

• 📞 Department of Land Use Contact