Are LED Signs Allowed in Oliver Springs, Anderson County, Tennessee? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes. Oliver Springs permits Electronic Message Center signs under its ordinance.
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The ordinance defines a “Changeable Electronic Message Sign” as “An electrically activated changeable sign upon which the message changes more than two (2) times in a twenty-four-hour period.”
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A sign permit is required for any signage, including EMCs.
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The EMC signs must also comply with Tennessee state law, particularly the Changeable Message Signs provisions under the Billboard Regulation and Control Act.
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Oliver Springs Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & ETJ Map – City of Oliver Springs Zoning & ETJ Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Districts under the Oliver Springs ordinance permitting signs; specific districts subject to local zoning designations (e.g., commercial zones) as per Town Sign Ordinance §11-411. |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Electrically activated changeable signs; EMCs that change messages more than twice in 24 hours. |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌No explicit allowance in Oliver Springs’ ordinance for off-premise EMCs in §11-411 (this is for on-premise signage). |
| EMCs allowed in public right-of-way | ❌No indication they are allowed in public right-of-way; all signs require a permit and are usually located on private property. |
| Minimum message dwell time/change interval | Oliver Springs allows up to two message changes per 24 hours (i.e., a message may change, but with limited frequency). |
| Use restrictions/illumination restrictions | Must comply with state law for changeable message signs; no scrolling, video, or animation under state code; must meet illumination standards (not to be confused with traffic signals, etc.). |
Zoning District Overview
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Oliver Springs’ sign code is part of its broader Zoning and Land-Use regulatory structure.
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Commercial, industrial, and certain mixed-use zoning districts are most likely to allow EMC signs under permit.
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Residential zones likely have more restrictive sign rules that may limit or exclude EMCs or treat them differently. (The ordinance doesn’t clearly allow EMCs in residential use zones.)
Zoning-Specific Standards (EMC-Relevant Provisions)
Here are some key standards relevant to EMCs under the Oliver Springs ordinance and applicable state requirements:
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Permit required | ✅Yes — any EMC must have a sign permit per the Town of Oliver Springs ordinance. |
| Message changes | Allowed more than twice in 24 hours under local code; state law limits scrolling/animation; state code requires static display minimums, etc. |
| Prohibited content/effects | Video, continuous scrolling, or flashing messages/animations are disallowed under state law. The local ordinance’s “changeable electronic message sign” doesn’t permit uncontrolled or frequent changing beyond what is permitted. |
| Illumination & safety | State code mandates controls so that digital display brightness is not unsafe or distracting; local code likely requires compliance with building/electrical standards; signage must not conflict with traffic devices. |
Permit Filing Requirements
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A sign permit must be obtained from the Town of Oliver Springs for any sign, including EMCs.
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The application will likely require: drawings of the sign face, message change mechanism, electrical details, location, and size. (Typical for sign ordinances, though the exact checklist may be in the Oliver Springs Building or Zoning office.)
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Review will check compliance with ordinance §11-411 and state law on changeable message signs.
Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim Excerpts)
“Changeable Electronic Message Sign. An electrically activated changeable sign upon which the message changes more than two (2) times in a twenty-four (24) hour period.” — Town of Oliver Springs Sign Ordinance §11-411.
From Tennessee state law: (Billboard Regulation & Control Act) § 54-21-122: Video, continuous scrolling messages and animation are prohibited; message display time shall remain static minimum durations, etc.
External Reference Links
🗺️ Walls Zoning & ETJ Map
📘 Walls Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal