Are LED Signs Allowed in Armada, Macomb County, Michigan? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning

EMC Sign Allowed?

✅ Yes. Armada’s Sign Ordinance allows EMCs (reader boards/changeable boards) under specified conditions:

They are allowed as part of ground or freestanding signs for permitted office, commercial, and industrial uses.
They must obey rules for illumination, message change frequency, maximum percentage of sign face dedicated to changeable copy, etc.
Temporary signs are allowed, but have restrictions on display days, size, height, and number per frontage.

🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Armada Sign Code

🔗 Zoning & ETJ Map – City of Armada Zoning & ETJ Map

EMC Sign Summary Table

Feature	Answer
Zoning districts that allow EMCs	Office, Commercial, and Industrial districts generally allow EMC elements on ground/freestanding signs.
EMC sign styles allowed	Reader/changeable board as a component of ground/freestanding signs.
Off-premise EMCs allowed?	No mention of off-premise EMCs being freely allowed. EMCs are accessory permitted signs for use on the lot.
EMCs in public right-of-way	❌Not allowed. Sign locations must comply with setback and not project into public rights-of-way.
Minimum setback required	Ground sign setbacks are defined (varies by district). For example, ground signs must satisfy setbacks in Section 13.06.
Use restrictions	- Changeable boards can’t exceed 25% of the total sign area. - Frequency of message changes is limited (e.g., minimum 5 seconds). - ❌No scrolling, flashing or animation.

Zoning District Overview

Armada divides land into several zoning districts: Office, Commercial (multiple levels), Industrial, and Residential. The sign regulations distinguish between:

Signs permitted without a permit vs. those that need a permit. § 13.03 covers “Signs Permitted in All Districts Without a Permit.”
Permitted accessory signs with a permit in all districts. § 13.04 handles signs permitted with a permit.
Ground signs for non-residential uses have their own section §13.06.
Prohibited signs are also detailed (e.g., signs with flashing, roof signs, etc.).

Zoning-Specific Standards (EMC-Relevant Sections)

Here are excerpts of the key rules that apply when you want to include an EMC/readable changeable message board:

Requirement	Standard
Percentage of sign area for changeable copy/reader board	Cannot exceed 25% of the overall sign area.
Message change interval	Minimum 5 seconds between content changes. No continuous scrolling or other animated transitions.
Colors	In many districts, reader boards are limited to 4 colors.
Illumination / Lighting	Must comply with specialty lighting requirements: e.g., external fully shielded; internal lighting only under certain conditions; no distracting lights.
Ground sign integration	EMC portion must be part of the allowed ground/freestanding sign; cannot be standalone.

Permit Filing Requirements

Signs without permit: Certain non-illuminated signs (window signs, nameplates, memorial plaques, etc.) in § 13.03 can be installed without a permit.
Signs with permit: Any sign with a changeable/reader board, illuminated, or certain temporary signs require a sign permit.
Applications must include drawings showing height, area, location, illumination method, etc.

Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim Excerpts)

“Reader or Changeable Boards. Freestanding signs for permitted office, commercial, and industrial uses may include one (1) reader board or changeable board sign. Such signs shall not exceed 25% of the overall sign area. Signs must also comply with specialty lighting requirements …” ‒ Armada Sign Ordinance § 13.04.G and §13.06 Ground Signs.

“Temporary Signs … Display period: Temporary signs may be displayed for a maximum of 45 days per calendar year … Maximum sign area and height … signs may not exceed six (6) square feet … height three (3) feet …” ‒ Armada Sign Ordinance § 13.11.

External Reference Links

🗺️ Walls Zoning & ETJ Map
📘 Walls Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal

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