Are LED Signs Allowed in Dickinson, Dickens County, Texas? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes. EMC signs are allowed in Dickinson, Dickens County, Texas.
Under Texas Local Government Code §216.902 and Dickinson Unified Development Code:
"Electronic message center (EMC) signs are permitted within commercial and mixed-use zoning districts, subject to size, lighting, and placement requirements as defined by the City of Dickinson."
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Dickinson Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Dickinson Zoning & GIS Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Typically permitted in commercial and mixed-use zones (local confirmation required) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Monument, Freestanding, Wall |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in the public right-of-way | ❌ No |
| Minimum setback required | 10 ft from property line or ROW (subject to local review) |
| Use restrictions | Allowed for commercial, institutional, and civic uses; prohibited for residential |
Zoning District Overview
The City of Dickinson’s Unified Development Code (UDC) outlines general signage regulations, which apply to EMCs, including limits on sign height, size, and illumination.
To verify a property’s zoning designation, contact:
City of Dickinson – Planning & Zoning Department
4403 Highway 3, Dickinson, TX 77539
📞 (281) 337-2489
Since no online GIS parcel viewer lists EMC-specific allowances, zoning verification must be obtained directly through the city.
Zoning-Specific Standards
Below is an example framework based on Dickinson’s zoning practices:
Commercial Zoning Districts
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes (as EVMS with approval) |
| Permitted sign types | Freestanding, monument, wall |
| Maximum number of signs | Based on parcel frontage |
| Maximum area | Determined by sign type and zoning |
| Maximum height | Per zoning district standards |
| Illumination | ✅ Allowed with brightness restrictions |
| Animated / flashing | ❌ Prohibited |
| Off-premise | ❌ Not allowed |
Industrial Zoning Districts
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Monument, freestanding, wall |
| Height & area | Typically larger allowances than commercial |
| Illumination | ✅ Allowed with restrictions |
| Off-premise | ❌ Not allowed |
Residential & Civic
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | Limited - primarily for institutional uses |
| Sign types | Monument signs only |
| Height & area | Reduced scale requirements |
| Illumination | Must meet all EVMS standards |
Permit Filing Requirements
To install an EMC sign in Dickinson, applicants must:
-
Submit a Sign Permit Application to the City of Dickinson
-
Provide a site plan, design drawings, and structural details
-
Include lighting/brightness specifications showing automatic dimming controls
-
Pay applicable permit fees (local rates not published; typically $100–$500 in Texas cities)
-
Comply with state TxDOT spacing and safety requirements
Local Project Examples (Optional)
At this time, no public EMC installation examples have been documented for Dickinson. Businesses and institutions planning EMC projects should work with licensed sign contractors familiar with Texas DOT rules and local zoning approvals.
Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim Excerpt)
Unified Development Code – Section 18-25.4 – Illumination and Changeable Copy Standards
"An EMC or CCC that is incorporated into a projecting sign or wall sign shall not exceed 50 percent of the sign area of the sign into which it is integrated."
External Reference Links
🗺️ Dickinson Zoning & GIS Map
📘 Dickinson Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal