Are LED Signs Allowed in Greenwood, Greenwood County, South Carolina? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed in Greenwood, South Carolina?
✅ Yes, Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs are permitted in Greenwood under the city’s sign ordinance (Section 10-258). They are treated as permanent illuminated signs and must follow restrictions on size, height, illumination, and design. Flashing, animated, or revolving signs are generally not allowed.
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Greenwood Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Greenwood Zoning & GIS Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial, Industrial (check specific subdistricts) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Wall, Ground, Monument |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in the public right-of-way | ❌ No |
| Maximum height | Wall: per building frontage; Ground: per zoning approval |
| Maximum wall area | 1 sq ft per linear ft of building frontage (check ordinance) |
| Use restrictions | No flashing, revolving, or animated signs; must follow illumination limits |
| Setback requirements | Must follow standard zoning and right-of-way setbacks |
Zoning District Overview
Greenwood’s zoning ordinance regulates EMCs as permanent wall or ground signs, allowed in designated commercial and industrial districts. Compliance with height, area, illumination, and setback requirements is mandatory. Off-premise content or projection into the public right-of-way is prohibited.
Zoning-Specific Standards
Commercial and Industrial Districts
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Ground, Monument |
| Maximum number of EMCs | Determined by street frontage and district regulations |
| Maximum wall area | 1 sq ft per linear ft of building frontage |
| Maximum height | Per district regulations |
| Static illumination | ✅ Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌ No |
| Mechanical motion | ❌ No (revolving/beacon prohibited) |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌ No |
| Right-of-way projection | ❌ Not allowed |
| Setback required | Standard setback from right-of-way |
Permit Filing Requirements
To apply for an EMC permit in Greenwood:
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Required forms: Sign permit application, electrical permit (if illuminated)
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Permit fee: Varies depending on sign size and zoning district
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Compliance: Must follow Greenwood building, electrical, and zoning codes
Local Project Example
A retail business in Greenwood installed a wall-mounted EMC displaying promotions and operational messages. The sign complied with height, setback, and illumination limits and was approved after submission of all required permits.
Full Ordinance Text
Greenwood’s sign ordinance regulates all permanent and temporary signs. It defines EMCs, prohibits flashing or revolving displays, and establishes requirements for height, area, illumination, and placement.
👉 Please review the full ordinance before proceeding with any EMC installation to ensure compliance with all requirements.
External Reference Links
🗺️ Greenwood Zoning & GIS Map
📘 Greenwood Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal