Are LED Signs Allowed in Deer Park, Suffolk County, New York? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes, but conditionally.
Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs—defined in Deerpark’s zoning code as “digital billboard signs”—are permitted in select commercial and industrial zoning districts under Planning Board review. These signs are subject to specific illumination, placement, and safety restrictions.
In residential and lower-intensity districts, flashing, oscillating, or moving signs are strictly prohibited.
Code Excerpt:
“Digital Billboard Sign – A sign utilizing digital technology for advertisement.”
(Town of Deerpark Zoning Law, Article V – Signs)
If the digital sign exceeds standard limits or involves dynamic lighting, Planning Board approval is required under § 5.8.4 of the zoning law.
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Deer Park Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Deer Park Zoning & GIS Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial and Industrial districts (e.g., IB, HMU, I-1) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Freestanding “digital billboard” or monument-style |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌No – Off-premise or third-party advertising content is prohibited |
| EMCs allowed in ROW | ❌No – Signs extending into the public right-of-way are prohibited |
| Maximum sign height | 8–10 ft for ground/freestanding signs (per § 5.8) |
| Maximum area | 1 sq. ft. per 5 ft. of lot frontage or 50 sq. ft. total (whichever is less) |
| Illumination restrictions | Flashing, oscillating, or revolving lights prohibited; illumination must not project outward |
| Permit authority | Town of Deerpark Planning Board / Building Inspector |
Zoning District Overview
The Town of Deerpark’s zoning framework divides land into residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use zones. Sign regulations apply differently based on the zone type.
Applicable Zoning Districts for EMCs:
-
IB – Interchange Business District
-
HMU – Highway Mixed Use District
-
I-1 – Industrial District
These are the districts where digital or illuminated signage may be considered, subject to Planning Board approval.
Zoning-Specific Standards
Residential Districts (NR, RRC, RS)
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| EMCs allowed | ❌No |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Ground (non-illuminated only) |
| Max area | 12 sq. ft. (temporary) |
| Flashing/moving signs | ❌Prohibited |
| Freestanding signs | Max 10 ft height, by permit only |
Commercial / Industrial Districts (IB, HMU, I-1)
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅Yes (as “digital billboard”) |
| Permit required | ✅Yes – Planning Board review |
| Sign height | Max 8–10 ft (ground signs) |
| Illumination | Must avoid glare or outward light projection |
| Off-premise content | ❌Not permitted |
| Setback | Must comply with zoning district setback rules |
Permit Filing Requirements
Anyone wishing to install an EMC or digital billboard sign in Deerpark must apply through the Town of Deerpark Building Department. Signs involving illumination, digital display, or larger area must undergo Planning Board review per § 5.8.4.
Required Items:
-
Completed Sign Permit Application
-
Site plan showing sign placement, dimensions, and distance from ROW
-
Electrical details for illuminated/digital signs
-
Planning Board approval (if digital or exceeding area limits)
-
Applicable fee payment
Typical Fees:
Standard sign permits range from $100–$300; additional fees may apply for Planning Board review or electrical inspection.
Local Project Example
In 2013, the Deerpark Planning Board reviewed a digital signage application by Rock City Media for a freestanding digital display in the IB (Interchange Business) Zone on South Maple Avenue. The proposal demonstrated that digital billboard-type signage is possible in commercial zones with Planning Board approval.
(Reference: Deerpark Planning Board Agenda, September 11, 2013)
Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim Excerpts)
Definition:
“Digital Billboard Sign – A sign utilizing digital technology for advertisement.”
(Deerpark Zoning Law, Article V – Signs)From § 5.8 – Schedule of Sign Regulations:
“Freestanding signs over ten (10) feet in height are prohibited.”
“All signs requiring approval shall be reviewed by the Planning Board.”
“Flashing, oscillating, revolving or moving signs are prohibited.”
“Maximum total area of all signs on a lot shall not exceed one (1) square foot per five (5) feet of lot frontage or fifty (50) square feet total, whichever is less.”
External References
🗺️ Deer Park Zoning & GIS Map
📘 Deer Park Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal