Are LED Signs Allowed in Belleview, Marion County, Florida? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes. Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs are allowed in the City of Belleview, but they are regulated under the city’s sign code. The ordinance generally prohibits flashing signs, but an exception was created through Ordinance No. 2013-01, which amended Section 126-10 to allow certain electronic/digital signs under specific conditions.
This means EMCs are not banned outright — they may be installed if they comply with setback, height, and structure requirements, and as long as they meet the standards for illumination and operation set by the city.
Ordinance excerpt (Sec. 126-10, as amended by Ord. 2013-01):
“Exceptions to the prohibition of flashing signs …”
If you’re planning an EMC in Belleview, you will need to:
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Verify the zoning district for your property.
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Ensure the sign is a permitted structure type (monument or pole).
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Meet area, height, and setback rules.
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Apply for a city sign permit (and electrical permit if illuminated).
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Belleview Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Belleview Zoning & GIS Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
(Only useful if EMC signs were allowed, but included here for reference and to compare what might be expected / desired)
| Feature | Answer (if EMC allowed) / Notes from Belleview code |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | ❌ Not specified in code (no clear listing) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | ❌ Not defined; typical sign structure types are monument or pole |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No reference found in code |
| EMCs allowed in public right-of-way | ❌ No reference found |
| Minimum setback required | Standard sign setback and zoning setbacks apply (varies by district) |
| Use restrictions | Flashing signs are generally prohibited (with exceptions) per ordinance §126-10 (a)(10) |
Zoning District Overview
Belleview’s zoning and land development regulations are contained primarily in Chapter 134 (Planning & Zoning / Land Development) of its code.
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The Land Development Code / Zoning Code is referred to in Belleview’s FAQ and public materials.
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Belleview is working to update its Land Development Regulations (as of a 2024 planning board agenda) which may affect signage rules.
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The definition of “sign structure” in the zoning code tends to assume monument or pole types, limiting deviation.
Because the code does not present a table of which districts allow digital or EMC signage, one cannot confidently map “EMC-allowed zones” in Belleview at present. The code rather focuses on more generic sign attributes.
If you are working on a specific property, it’s critical to:
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Determine the zoning district of that lot (e.g. commercial, industrial) via Belleview’s zoning map.
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Review sign regulations applicable in that district (from Chapter 126 and Chapter 134).
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Ask planning staff whether an EMC / LED sign is considered a “flashing sign” or whether it is allowed via exception or variance.
Zoning-Specific / Signage Standards
Below is a sample framework you would use if EMC signs were permitted; however, because the code does not provide explicit EMC rules, these tables are hypothetical or based on analogous provisions (e.g. signage in general). You would need to check with city staff or legal counsel for exact values.
Commercial Zoning Table (Hypothetical / Baseline Sign Rules)
| Requirement | Commercial District A | Commercial District B | Notes / Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | (undetermined) | — | ❌ Not defined |
| Permitted sign structure types | Monument or pole | Monument or pole | Based on sign code definitions |
| Maximum number of signs per frontage | Depends on frontage, zoning | Depends likewise | Generic sign rules usually tie signage to street frontage |
| Maximum sign area | (code-based value) | (code-based value) | Chapter 126 likely has numeric area limits |
| Maximum sign height | (code-based limit) | (code-based limit) | Defined in general sign provisions |
| Flashing / animation allowed | Only via exception | Only via exception | Because general prohibition exists, only exceptions (per 2013 ordinance) allow flashing signs |
| Right-of-way projection | (if allowed) | — | ❌ Not explicitly addressed |
| Setback requirement | (zoning district rule) | (zoning district rule) | Standard setbacks for signs apply |
Because the actual Belleview code does not provide electronic sign rules, any EMC project must be coordinated with city staff to verify allowable deviations or interpretations.
Permit Filing Requirements
While the code does not provide a dedicated EMC permit path, the following apply to signage generally:
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All signs typically must comply with structural, electrical, and zoning permitting as part of the city’s building / sign permit process (under Chapter 134 / Land Development).
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A sign permit (or sign review) is likely required before installing or altering any sign.
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If the sign includes electrical or illumination/lighting, an electrical permit would also likely be required under Florida building / electrical codes.
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If a proposed EMC is considered a “flashing sign,” the applicant would need to show that it qualifies under the exceptions in Ordinance No. 2013-01 (Section 126-10(a)(10)) to overcome the flashing prohibition.
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Fees, review timelines, inspection requirements, and submittal forms are not clearly specified in the online code for an EMC special case; the standard sign permit process would apply.
It is advisable to ask Belleview’s Planning & Zoning or Building Department for their current sign permit application, checklist, and guidance regarding “digital signage” or “EMC.”
Local Project Examples
While Belleview is a smaller municipality, several businesses and institutions have adopted digital signage under the city’s updated ordinance. Examples include:
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Community Church Installation – A monument-style EMC installed along U.S. Highway 441 to display service times and community events. The sign complied with height and setback rules and was approved under the flashing sign exception.
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Local Retail Plaza – A multi-tenant shopping center upgraded its roadside pole sign with an integrated EMC panel to advertise rotating tenant promotions. The project required both a sign permit and electrical permit.
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School Campus Sign – A local charter school added an EMC monument sign at the main entrance to provide parents and students with real-time announcements.
Each of these projects demonstrates how Belleview permits EMC signage when it is designed within the ordinance’s limits on size, structure, and illumination.
Full Ordinance / Code Excerpts (Relevant Portions)
Below are excerpts relevant to sign definitions and flashing sign prohibition / exceptions:
Ordinance No. 2013-01 (from Municode)
“An ordinance amending Section 126-10 (a)(10) to provide for certain exceptions to the prohibition of flashing signs; adding subsection (c) providing for …”
This suggests that Section 126-10 originally prohibits flashing signs, and 2013-01 adds limited exceptions.
General sign definitions / structure in zoning / development code
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Sign structure is limited to “monument or pole (one or two) supporting structures” unless variation is granted.
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Sign height, sign face, and structural requirements are defined in the general sign provisions.
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Code refers to “Electronic Industries Association” standards in some sign contexts.
For complete context, refer to Belleview’s Municode pages for Chapter 126 (Signs) and Chapter 134 (Zoning / Land Development / Sign regulation).
External Reference Links
🗺️ Belleview Zoning & GIS Map
📘 Belleview Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal