Are LED Signs Allowed in Phelan, San Bernardino County, California? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes. Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs are allowed in San Bernardino County, including the Phelan area, under specific regulations.
The county code specifies that “Electronic Message Display signs are permitted subject to operational standards, including brightness limits, hold time for messages, and prohibition of flashing or animated effects.”
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Phelan Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Phelan Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial & Industrial (C, IC, CH, CG, CR, IN, etc.) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Monument, Freestanding, Wall |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs in ROW | ❌ Not allowed |
| Minimum setback required | 5–10 ft depending on zoning & ROW |
| Use restrictions | Limited to on-site business, institutional, or civic uses |
Zoning District Overview
San Bernardino County’s Development Code governs signage across multiple commercial and industrial districts.
Common EMC-eligible districts include:
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Neighborhood Commercial (CN)
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General Commercial (CG)
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Highway Commercial (CH)
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Service Commercial (CS)
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Community Industrial (IC)
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Regional Industrial (IR)
Commercial Zoning Standards (Example)
| Requirement | CN | CG | CH |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Monument | Wall, Monument, Freestanding | Wall, Monument, Freestanding |
| Max EMCs per frontage | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Max area (wall-mounted) | 24 sq. ft. | 50 sq. ft. | 100 sq. ft. |
| Max height | 15 ft | 20 ft | 25 ft |
| Hold time (per message) | 8 sec min | 8 sec min | 8 sec min |
| Animated signs | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
Permit Filing Requirements
To install an EMC sign in Phelan (San Bernardino County), applicants must:
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Submit a Sign Permit Application through the Land Use Services Department.
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Provide site plans, elevations, and electrical details.
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Pay fees (typically $250–$600, depending on size and complexity).
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Obtain an electrical permit for LED/electronic wiring.
Full Ordinance Text
Relevant provisions are found in:
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San Bernardino County Code, Chapter 83.13: Sign Regulations
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Sections 83.13.050 (On-Site Signs) and 83.13.080–83.13.090 (Standards for All & Specific Types of Signs)
External Reference Links
🗺️ Phelan Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Phelan Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal