Are LED Signs Allowed in Center Line, Macomb County, Michigan? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes. EMC signs are allowed within designated commercial and industrial zoning districts in Center Line.
"Electronic message centers may be permitted as part of an approved sign, subject to the regulations for size, location, illumination, and zoning district requirements."
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Center Line Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Center Line Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | C-1, C-2, I-1 (Commercial & Industrial) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Wall, Freestanding, Monument |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌No |
| EMCs allowed in the public right-of-way | ❌No |
| Minimum setback required | 10 ft from property line |
| Use restrictions | EMCs allowed only for commercial or industrial uses; must comply with illumination and message duration limits |
Zoning District Overview
Center Line has several zoning districts where EMCs are permitted, including:
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C-1: Neighborhood Commercial
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C-2: General Commercial
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I-1: Light Industrial
Zoning-Specific Standards
Commercial Zoning Table
| Requirement | C-1 | C-2 |
|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Freestanding | Wall, Freestanding, Monument |
| Maximum number of EMCs | 1 per street frontage | 1 per frontage |
| Maximum area (wall-mounted) | 20 sq. ft. | 40 sq. ft. |
| Maximum height | 15 ft | 25 ft |
| Static illumination allowed | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌No | ❌No |
| Mechanical motion | ❌No | ❌No |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌No | ❌No |
| ROW projection | ❌Not allowed | ❌Not allowed |
| Setback requirement | 10 ft | 10 ft |
Industrial Zoning Table
| Requirement | I-1 |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Freestanding, Monument |
| Maximum number of EMCs | 1 per frontage |
| Maximum area | 50 sq. ft. |
| Maximum height | 30 ft |
| Static illumination allowed | ✅Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌No |
| Mechanical motion | ❌No |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌No |
| ROW projection | ❌Not allowed |
| Setback requirement | 10 ft |
Permit Filing Requirements
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Required forms: Sign Permit Application, Electrical Permit (if illuminated)
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Permit fees: Varies by sign size and district; typically $100–$400
Local Project Examples
Center Line businesses have successfully installed EMCs, including:
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A 4x8 freestanding EMC at a C-2 district retail store, approved in 10 business days
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Wall-mounted EMC at an I-1 industrial park facility, compliant with height and illumination regulations
Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim)
“Electronic message centers may be permitted as part of an approved sign, provided they comply with size, location, illumination, and duration standards as established in Article VIII, Section 18 of the Center Line Code of Ordinances.”
External Reference Links
🗺️ Walls Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Walls Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal