Are LED Signs Allowed in Andover, Merrimack County, New Hampshire? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed in Andover, New Hampshire?
✅ Yes, Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs are permitted in Andover, NH, under the town’s sign ordinance (Article IV, Section 4.7). They are generally regulated as permanent signs with restrictions on size, illumination, and location to ensure safety and compatibility with the community. Flashing, animated, or moving displays may be limited.
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Andover Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Andover Zoning & GIS Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Business, Commercial |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Wall, Ground, Monument |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in the public right-of-way | ❌ No |
| Maximum height | Wall: up to 25 ft; Ground: 6–8 ft (may require review) |
| Maximum wall area | 2 sq ft per linear ft of building frontage (up to 100 sq ft) |
| Use restrictions | No flashing, revolving, or animated signs without special approval; must follow illumination limits |
| Setback requirements | Must follow standard zoning and right-of-way setbacks |
Zoning District Overview
Andover’s zoning framework regulates all signs in the town. EMCs are treated as permanent wall or ground signs. They are allowed on-premises if they meet height, area, illumination, and setback restrictions.
Zoning-Specific Standards
Business Zoning Table
| Requirement | Business Districts |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Ground, Monument |
| Maximum number of EMCs | Based on lot frontage |
| Maximum wall area | 2 sq ft per linear ft of building frontage (up to 100 sq ft) |
| Maximum height | Wall: 25 ft; Ground: 6–8 ft |
| Static illumination | ✅ Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌ No (unless approved) |
| Mechanical motion | ❌ No |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌ No |
| Right-of-way projection | ❌ Not allowed |
| Setback required | Standard setback from right-of-way |
Commercial Zoning Table
| Requirement | Commercial Districts |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Ground, Monument |
| Maximum number of EMCs | Based on lot frontage |
| Maximum wall area | 2 sq ft per linear ft of building frontage (up to 100 sq ft) |
| Maximum height | Wall: 25 ft; Ground: 6–8 ft |
| Static illumination | ✅ Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌ No (unless approved) |
| Mechanical motion | ❌ No |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌ No |
| Right-of-way projection | ❌ Not allowed |
| Setback required | Standard setback from right-of-way |
Permit Filing Requirements
To apply for an EMC permit in Andover:
-
Required forms: Sign permit application, electrical permit (if illuminated)
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Permit fee: Varies depending on sign size and zoning district
-
Compliance: Must follow Andover building, electrical, and zoning codes
Local Project Example
A small business in Andover installed a monument-style EMC to display promotions and community messages. The sign met height, area, and setback restrictions, and the permit was approved after submission of all required documents.
Full Ordinance Text
Andover’s sign ordinance regulates the construction, display, and relocation of all signs in the town. EMCs are considered permanent signs, with limitations on flashing, animated, or moving features. All permit and design standards must be followed.
👉 Please review the full ordinance before installing any EMC in Andover to ensure compliance with all local requirements.
External Reference Links
🗺️ Andover Zoning & GIS Map
📘 Andover Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal