Are LED Signs Allowed in Goodells, St. Clair County, Michigan? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed in Goodells, Michigan?
✅ Yes, Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs are permitted in Goodells, Michigan, under the jurisdiction of Wales Township. The township's zoning ordinance regulates the installation and operation of such signs to ensure they are compatible with the surrounding environment and community standards.
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Goodells Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Goodells Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial and Industrial districts |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Freestanding |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in the public right-of-way | ❌ No |
| Maximum height | Determined by district and site plan review |
| Maximum sign area | Determined by district and site plan review |
| Use restrictions | On-premise advertising only; no off-site advertising |
| Illumination and motion | Static messages only; no flashing, scrolling, fading, or video; automatic dimming required |
| Brightness limits | To be determined based on district and site plan review |
| Transition effects | One-second static transitions only |
| Malfunction protocol | Display a static black screen or power down |
| Setback requirements | Must follow standard zoning setbacks |
Zoning District Overview
Goodells is an unincorporated community within Wales Township, St. Clair County, Michigan. The township's zoning ordinance regulates all signs within its jurisdiction. EMCs are treated as permanent freestanding signs and are allowed only in certain zoning districts. They must comply with height, area, illumination, setback, and operational standards to ensure safety and community compatibility.
Zoning-Specific Standards
Commercial and Industrial Zoning
| Requirement | Commercial and Industrial Districts |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Freestanding |
| Maximum number of EMCs | Based on frontage and site plan review |
| Maximum sign area | Determined by district and site plan review |
| Maximum height | Determined by district and site plan review |
| Static illumination | ✅ Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌ No |
| Mechanical motion | ❌ No |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌ No |
| Right-of-way projection | ❌ Not allowed |
| Setback required | Standard setback from property line |
Permit Filing Requirements
To apply for an EMC permit in Wales Township:
-
Required forms: Sign permit application, electrical permit (if illuminated)
-
Permit fee: Varies depending on sign size and zoning district
-
Compliance: Must adhere to Wales Township building, electrical, and zoning codes
Local Project Example
A local business in Wales Township installed a freestanding EMC sign displaying business hours and promotions. The sign complied with zoning height, setback, and area restrictions and was approved after submission of all required permits.
Full Ordinance Text
Wales Township’s sign code regulates the erection, construction, display, and relocation of signs within township limits. It includes definitions for permanent and temporary signs, restricts flashing or beacon-style displays, and outlines permit and design standards.
👉 Please review the full ordinance before proceeding with any EMC installation in Wales Township to ensure compliance with all requirements.
External Reference Links
🗺️ Goodells Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Goodells Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal