Are LED Signs Allowed in Roanoke, Roanoke County, Virginia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes. EMC signs are permitted in Roanoke under the Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance, Section 30-93 (Signs), provided they follow zoning-specific rules for area, height, and illumination.
“Signs may be internally or externally illuminated, including electronic message centers, provided they meet the standards of this chapter and do not create glare or hazards to traffic safety.”
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Roanoke Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View Map – City of Roanoke Zoning & Parcel View Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial (C-1, C-2), Industrial (I-1, I-2) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Freestanding, Monument, Wall |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in ROW | ❌ No |
| Minimum setback required | 10 ft from property line or ROW |
| Use restrictions | EMCs permitted only for on-site businesses, institutions, or civic uses |
Zoning District Overview
Roanoke’s zoning ordinance regulates signage across residential, commercial, and industrial districts.
Applicable zoning districts for EMCs:
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C-1 (Office)
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C-2 (General Commercial)
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I-1 (Industrial)
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I-2 (Heavy Industrial)
Residential districts generally prohibit EMCs, except for limited institutional or civic uses (e.g., churches or schools).
Zoning-Specific Standards
Commercial Districts
| Requirement | C-1 (Office) | C-2 (General Commercial) |
|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Monument | Freestanding, Monument, Wall |
| Max EMCs per frontage | 1 | 1 |
| Max area (wall-mounted) | 100 sq. ft. | 500 sq. ft. |
| Max height | 15 ft | 25 ft |
| Static illumination | Yes | Yes |
| Animated signs | No | No |
| Mechanical motion | No | No |
| Off-premise content | No | No |
| ROW projection | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Setback | 10 ft | 10 ft |
Industrial Districts
| Requirement | I-1 | I-2 |
|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Monument, Freestanding | Monument, Freestanding |
| Max EMCs per frontage | 1 | 1 |
| Max area | 300 sq. ft. | 300 sq. ft. |
| Max height | 25 ft | 25 ft |
| Static illumination | Yes | Yes |
| Animated signs | No | No |
| Off-premise content | No | No |
Permit Filing Requirements
To install an EMC in Roanoke:
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Required forms: Sign Permit Application + Electrical Permit (if illuminated).
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Fees: Vary by size and zoning, typically $150 – $500.
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Submission: Roanoke County Department of Community Development.
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Processing time: 2–4 weeks.
Local Project Examples (Optional)
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A local church installed a 4x8 EMC in a C-2 district, complying with the 10 ft setback and height limits.
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An industrial business in I-1 installed a freestanding EMC sign to advertise operations, approved within 3 weeks.
Full Ordinance Text
Refer to Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance, Section 30-93 (Signs).
External Reference Links
🗺️ Roanoke Zoning & Parcel View Map
📘 Roanoke Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal