Are LED Signs Allowed in Boiling Springs, Spartanburg County, South Carolina? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes, Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs can be permitted in Boiling Springs, South Carolina, under the City of Spartanburg’s signage ordinance. The ordinance allows illuminated and changeable copy signs under certain restrictions (prohibiting flashing, blinking, or rotating displays).
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Boiling Springs Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Boiling Springs Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial, Industrial (on-premises use) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Wall, Freestanding / Monument types |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in the public right-of-way | ❌ No |
| Minimum setback required | Must follow standard sign setback rules |
| Use restrictions | No blinking, flashing, or rotating effects |
Zoning District Overview
The City of Spartanburg regulates signage through its Signage Ordinance. EMCs are treated as changeable copy signs and are permitted as long as they remain on-premises, follow illumination rules, and avoid prohibited effects like blinking or animation.
Zoning-Specific Standards
Commercial / General Mixed Use
| Requirement | Commercial / Mixed Use Zones |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall signs, freestanding / monument signs |
| Maximum number of EMCs | 1 per street frontage |
| Maximum area (wall-mounted) | Based on standard sign limits |
| Maximum height | As allowed under standard sign height rules |
| Static illumination | ✅ Yes |
| Animated or blinking signs | ❌ No |
| Mechanical motion / rotating elements | ❌ Not allowed |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌ No |
| Right-of-way projection | ❌ Not allowed |
| Setback required | Must comply with setback and sight-line rules |
Industrial / Other Zones
| Requirement | Industrial / Nonresidential Zones |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Freestanding, wall, monument |
| Maximum area & height | Governed by the general sign provisions |
| Illumination | ✅ Permitted (with restrictions) |
| Animated / flashing / rotating | ❌ Prohibited |
| Off-premise content | ❌ Not allowed |
| Right-of-way projection | ❌ Not allowed |
| Setback required | Standard sign location rules apply |
Permit Filing Requirements
To apply for an EMC permit in Boiling Springs:
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Required forms: Sign permit application (planning / development services)
-
Review: Sign must comply with size, illumination, and zoning standards
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Restrictions: EMCs cannot blink, flash, scroll, or rotate; only static or slow message changes are allowed
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Inspection / compliance: Must meet building, electrical, and structural codes
Local Project Example
A retail store in Boiling Springs applied for a monument-style EMC sign. The display showed store hours and promotions with static illumination. The design followed setback rules and avoided flashing or animation. The sign was approved after permit review.
Full Ordinance Text
Spartanburg’s Signage Ordinance governs the erection, construction, display, and relocation of signs. It specifically prohibits blinking, flashing, or rotating lights, but permits illuminated and changeable copy signs under strict conditions. The ordinance outlines design standards, permit requirements, and compliance with zoning regulations.
External Reference Links
🗺️ Boiling Springs Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Boiling Springs Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal