EMC Sign Laws- Manning,Clarendon, South Carolina
Thinking about adding a digital sign in Manning, SC?
You’re not alone—but before you start, it’s important to know what’s actually allowed (and where). This guide breaks down how Electronic Message Centers (EMCs)—called Changeable Copy Centers (CCCs) in the local code—are regulated in McCormick County, which governs signage for the area around 7827 Paxville Hwy, Manning, South Carolina.
Whether you’re a business owner, a nonprofit, or just curious about digital signage in the county, here’s what you need to know.
✅ EMC Sign Law Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are EMC signs allowed? | ✅ Yes (in all nonresidential zoning districts, with restrictions) |
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | LC, CC, MU, OP, SI, FA (nonresidential) |
| EMC sign style allowed | Monument, Pylon, Marquee, Menu Board |
| Are off-premise EMCs allowed? | ❌ No (off-premise advertising prohibited) |
| Can EMCs be placed in the ROW? | ❌ No (must be behind property line; projection into ROW generally prohibited) |
| Minimum setback required | 10 ft. from ROW or property line (some exceptions for sidewalks) |
✅ Zoning Districts in McCormick County that Allow EMCs
Electronic Message Centers are permitted only in nonresidential districts.
These include:
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LC – Local Commercial
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CC – Community Commercial
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MU – Mixed Use
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OP – Office Professional
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SI – Special Industrial
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FA – Forestry Agriculture (nonresidential use sites)
📍 Tip: Verify the zoning of your property before applying for a permit.
📋 Nonresidential Zoning District EMC Rules
| Feature | LC / CC / MU | OP / SI | FA (nonresidential use) |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMC Allowed? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted Sign Types | Monument, Pylon, Marquee, Menu Board | Same as LC/CC/MU | Same as LC/CC/MU |
| Max EMC Area | 25% of monument/pylon/menu board face if visible from street/residential; up to 100 sq. ft. for marquee (or 40% of face, whichever less) | Same | Same |
| Max Height (Freestanding) | Monument: 6–25 ft. depending on frontage | Monument: up to 35 ft. | Same |
| Illumination | ✅ Internal or external | ✅ Internal or external | ✅ Internal or external |
| Animated Signs | ❌ No movement, flashing, blinking, scrolling, or video | Same | Same |
| Message Duration | Min. 15 seconds per message | Same | Same |
| Brightness Control | Auto dimmer required; max 0.3 foot candles above ambient light | Same | Same |
| Off-premise EMC | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| ROW Use | ❌ Not allowed (must be behind property line) | Same | Same |
| Setback | 10 ft. from ROW/property line | Same | Same |
✅ Key Restrictions for EMCs in Manning, SC
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Monochromatic Only — Full color, video, or animation is not permitted.
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Static Display Only — No scrolling, fading, or transitions between messages.
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Illumination Limits — Signs must automatically dim at night or in low-light conditions.
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Permit Required — All EMCs require a sign permit from the county before installation.
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Design Requirement—EMC must be enclosed in a finished material (brick, stone, stucco, powder-coated metal, anodized aluminum) extending at least 6 inches around the display.
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No Portable EMCs—Cannot be used on trailers, temporary stands, or as part of a portable sign.
✅ Sources & Legal References
📎 McCormick County Zoning Ordinance – Chapter 3.5 Signs (Local Sign Code)
📎 Changeable Copy Center (EMC) Requirements – Section 3.5.4(E)
📎 Permanent Sign Standards – Tables 3.5.4-1 & 3.5.4-2
If you’re unsure what zoning your property falls into or want help navigating the permitting process, our team can guide you from zoning verification to sign approval.
If you want, I can also create a quick-reference visual zoning & sign size chart for Manning, SC so it matches the style of your Philadelphia one but is tailored to South Carolina’s EMC rules. That would make it easier for your readers to compare.