Are LED Signs Allowed in Lancaster, Lancaster County, South Carolina? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed in Lancaster, SC?
✅ Yes. EMC signs are allowed in Lancaster, South Carolina.
Under Lancaster Unified Development Ordinance (UDO):
"Electronic Message Centers (EMCs) are allowed in certain zoning districts, provided they comply with size, lighting, and spacing requirements as defined by the City of Lancaster."
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Lancaster Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Lancaster Zoning & GIS Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Generally permitted in General Business (GB) and Highway Corridor Overlay Districts (HCO) |
| 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
Lancaster's zoning code specifies that EMCs are typically allowed in General Business (GB) and Highway Corridor Overlay Districts (HCO). However, local confirmation is required to ensure compliance with specific district regulations.
To verify a property’s zoning designation, contact:
City of Lancaster – Planning & Code Enforcement
216 S Catawba Street, Lancaster, SC 29720
📞 (803) 283-2489, ext. 5
Zoning-Specific Standards (Example Table)
| Requirement | General Business (GB) | Highway Corridor Overlay (HCO) |
|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Freestanding, Monument | Wall, Monument |
| Maximum number of EMCs | 1 per frontage | 1 per frontage |
| Maximum area (wall-mounted) | 150 sq. ft. | 100 sq. ft. |
| Maximum height | 25 ft. | 20 ft. |
| Static illumination | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Setback requirement | 10 ft. | 10 ft. |
Applicants must confirm these limits directly with Lancaster officials.
Permit Filing Requirements
To install an EMC sign in Lancaster, applicants must:
-
Submit a Sign Permit Application to the City of Lancaster
-
Provide a site plan, design drawings, and structural details
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Include lighting/brightness specifications showing automatic dimming controls
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Pay applicable permit fees (local rates not published; typically $100–$500 in South Carolina cities)
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Comply with state DOT spacing and safety requirements
Local Project Examples (Optional)
At this time, no public EMC installation examples have been documented for Lancaster. Businesses and institutions planning EMC projects should work with licensed sign contractors familiar with South Carolina DOT rules and local zoning approvals.
Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim Excerpt)
"Signs, displays, and devices shall conform to regulations which include, but are not limited to, size, lighting, and spacing requirements. Digital or electronic message centers must not flash, scroll, or vary intensity and must display each message for a minimum duration as set by regulation."
External Reference Links
🗺️ Lancaster Zoning & GIS Map
📘 Lancaster Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal